Insect
Common Parasol
Neurothemis fluctuansAlso known as Red Grasshawk, Grasshawk Dragonfly
Common Parasols are small, striking dragonflies widespread across tropical and subtropical Asia. Mature males display a bright reddish-brown body and broad dark-red wing patches that leave only the wingtips clear, whereas females are paler yellowish-brown with mostly transparent wings. Adults perch prominently on grass stems and low reeds beside ponds, marshes, and rice paddies, sallying out to snatch flying insects before returning to the same lookout.
DiurnalInsectivorousWetland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMosquitoes, Midges, Small flies
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Larger dragonflies
- Orb-weaver spiders
ThreatsWetland drainage and heavy agricultural pesticide use, though the species tolerates disturbed and human-made water bodies well.
HabitatsStanding and slow-moving freshwater across tropical Asia, including marshes, ponds, rice paddies, ditches, and vegetated stream edges.
Life spanSeveral months as an aquatic nymph; adults typically live a few weeks to two months.
Classification
- OrderOdonata
- FamilyLibellulidae
- GenusNeurothemis
- SpeciesNeurothemis fluctuans
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach slowly: Move calmly toward perched individuals, as sudden motion sends them darting away.
- Check sunny perches: Scan exposed grass tips and reeds near still water during warm, bright hours.
- Spot the difference: Look for both dark-winged reddish males and paler, clear-winged females in the same patch.
Frequent Companion "Scarlet Skimmer / Crocothemis servilia / 猩々蜻蛉(ショウジョウトンボ)" by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Predator (c) Шальнов Кирилл, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Prey (c) Dan Mendelowitz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan Mendelowitz · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Christopher, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christopher · cc-by
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Ecosystem chain
Wetland Territory
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