25. Pseudocopera ciliata (Selys, 1863)

Number: 25

Family: Platycnemididae

Genus: Pseudocopera

Species: Pseudocopera ciliata

Common name(s): Black-kneed Featherleg

Thai name(s): แมลงปอเข็มยาวเข่าดำ, แมลงปอเข็มขาแบนลายเขียว

Habitat: Exposed ponds, lakes (uplands & lowlands)

Province(s) sighted: Widespread (Khon Kaen); Nam Nao NP/environs (Petchabun); Khao Yai NP (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Widespread (Chiang Mai); Koh Chang/Trat environs (Trat); Khao Soi Dao/environs (Chantaburi); Phu Rua NP/environs (Loei).

Sightings (by me): Widespread and very common

In flight (that I have seen): Year-round

Species easily confused with: None

There are four species of the genus Copera in Thailand and I have seen them all! Then again, they are all common, except for C. Chantaburii which is bit more localised. Copera ciliata is one of the more common species in Thailand but is a graceful one at that. It likes to hang around weedy ponds and lakes and can often be seen.

The male

The male is generally white and black in colour, but is sometimes more of a blue colour than white, depending on age. It is distinctive in appearance and can't be confused with any other species.

*Since writing this, the species has been placed into the Pseudocopera genus. 

The female

The female varies in colour from brown to white or pale blue. Other than that, it is the same as the male.

A brown/beige female...

A blue/white female...

Teneral female ...

Here's looking at you...

A close-up of a white female.

A copula tandem...

C. ciliata is quite a shy creature but even more so when copulating. Here, with a brown female (top) and  GAY SEX below!!! Two males in tandem... no idea what's going on.

A copula wheel...

Here, with a white female.

Here's a number of photos of a blueish female ovipositing. That swivel screen on the new Canon 60D really does allow you to get down low!

You can see this species all year round lowland areas, in ponds and lakes, especially those with lots of weed cover.