ShotsofNature

Here are images and video of the Variegated Flutterer (Rhyothemis variegata), also known as the Common Picture Wing. It is often found in South Asia and the subtropical Himalayan foothills, closely mimicking the amber-and-black pattern of a Halloween pennant.
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But it is not mimicking Halloween pennant at all, but is a novel case of Convergent Evolution. Wherein 2 unrelated family members evolved similar traits over a period of time in different biomes, just because they had similar environmental stresses.
Here the mimicking both the 2 dragon flys are doing are of venomous butterfly …. So as to distract the predators from eating them. Second adaptation both these members made was thermo regulation. While the black in the wings absorb heat for colder temps, the vibrant variegated wings also when held up to an angle prevents overheating and gives shade to thorax under peak temps in day time. Now it’s monsoon, and they are pretty jolly. They may even befriend you and play with you haha…. They are very playful and full or character … hehe
Only thing they detest is a human predator going around to catch them for DNA test( where they presumably grind this baby to ashes) or trying to extract its colour to sell in priced markets…
#variegatedflutterer #commonpicturewing #dragonfly #convergentevolution #halloweenpennant