Common Parasol Neurothemis fluctuans

Photo of Common Parasol (Neurothemis fluctuans)

(c) ian_mcallan, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderDragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)
FamilySkimmers (Libellulidae)
GenusGrasshawks (Neurothemis)

The quirky 'parasol' nickname comes from its umbrella-like resting posture—wings held protectively over its body like an insect sunshade. This red grasshawk dazzles with striking ruby coloring and spreads across Asian wetlands in impressive numbers. With multiple regional names reflecting different cultural traditions, it's one of Asia's most beloved dragonflies.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

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