Each year, ABC RADIO NATIONAL runs the Australian National Insect of the Year Awards where members of the public can vote for their favorite nominated insect.

Six entomological experts select their six remarkably different finalists for the ABC Australian Insect of the Year, and Australians
of all ages are able to cast their vote for their favourite insect.

This years 2025-26 winner is: The Graphic Flutterer Dragonfly (Rhyothemis graphiptera). Rhyothemis graphiptera, known as the graphic flutterer or banded flutterer, is a species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae. It is found across northern Australia, the Moluccas, New Guinea and New Caledonia. The genus Rhyothemis extends from Africa to the western Pacific.

The flight of the genus Rhyothemis is usually fluttering. Rhyothemis graphiptera, a medium-sized dragonfly (wingspan 70mm, length 35mm), inhabits lagoons, lakes, ponds and swamps. The abdomen is dark and the wings are brownish-yellow with dark mottled markings. 

The National Institute of Entomology will be host to the official opening of the Awards at the 2026 National Insect Expo in Woodend in early October.