14. Ceriagrion indochinense (Asahina, 1967)

No: 14 / Family: Coenagrionidae / Genus: Ceriagrion

Name: Ceriagrion indochinense / Indochinese Marsh Dart* 

Habitat: Upland and lowland ponds and marshy areas
Province(s): Widespread
In flight: Year-round / Sightings (by me): Locally common

Easily confused with: Ceriagrion calamineum; Ceriagrion fallax; Ceriagrion nigroflavum; Ceriagrion pallidum

*As there is no common name, I used the adopted name of 'Marsh Dart' for the genus Ceriagrion and 'Indochinese' reflecting the region, creating Indochinese Marsh Dart.

There are 12 Ceriagrion species known in Thailand and Ceriagrion indochinense is one of 7 I have been lucky enough to see so far. Khon Kaen is a good place to spot this genus as it is very hot and dry. C. indochinense is fairly common and likes to live near a variety of waterways, such as open lakes to tiny muddy ditches. I have also seen a very large colony that lives in the shrubbery right next to the River Chi in Khon Kaen, a large but slow moving river. Since then I have seen this species at numerous locations around the country and is happy at both uplands and lowlands ponds, marshy areas and lakes with lots of vegetation.

The Male

The male is far more common than the female and is easily recognisable by its green thorax and eyes and its bright yellow abdomen. The end segments of the abdomen are often slightly brown in colour.

It's Dog Eat Dog...

... or damselfly eat damselfly in this case. This male is busily eating a female C. Auranticum... something I have seen this species do a lot. 

The Female

The female is dull compared to that of the male and it can be confused with female C. auranticum. However, the mature females have a yellow face and yellowish colouration to the abdomen.

The 'Older' Female?

I am not 100% sure which is older; this one or the one above. I assume (assuming is never good) that is this is old as it has darkened. Any advances?

The 'Young' Female

Here is a younger female where the face is paler yellow and the abdomen is a little more whitish.

The Copula

I was fortunate enough to see a copula (wheel) of this species. But even if you do see it, it is difficult getting decent photos.

Here is another copula... identical pose but on a branch!

Close-up of how the male utilises his claspers ...

I have seen C. indochinense on a regular basis around the northeast of Thailand and they tend to live in large numbers when spotted. I have seen this species from February-November but I'm not sure exactly when it is in flight, probably year round.