The Sapphire Flutterer

And yes, this gorgeous wild creature is as lovely as its name would suggest.

This is Rhyothemis triangularis, and a type of dragonfly. In fact they are similar in flight and habits to the wonderful Variegated flutterer, which acts more like a butterfly, or even a large bee, in the way that if flies.

This one was found in Tai Po Kau, and i have often seen them in Luk Keng as well, as they love the marshy ground above the (fish) ponds.

Easily recognisable by the large rich blue and purple highlights on the base of all four wings, and by their flight. They also love to perch on the very tip of sharp grasses, as in these photos.

Did you know dragonflies have been in existence for over 300 million years. Long before the dinosaurs walked the earth, Griffenflies, which were their prehistoric ancestors, flew the skies. The largest dragonfly fossil found had a wingspan of 2 ½ feet.