62. Aethriamanta Brevipennis (Rambur, 1842)

No: 62 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Aethriamanta

Name: Aethriamanta brevipennis / Scarlet Adjudant 

Habitat: Edge of Forested Areas, Rivers and Streams (Lowlands)

Province(s): Widespread
In flight: April-October / Sightings (by me): Locally common

Easily confused with: N/A

A small, but chunky dragonfly that pops up from time to time around Khon Kaen and beyond, is Aethriamanta brevipennis. I don't see it that often, but if I go dragonfly hunting early in the morning I tend to see more. Maybe they move high up into the trees during the day and out of sight.

The Male

The male varies in colour. Mostly they are yellow and black in colour, but there are also red specimens, which look fantastic. The thorax is black and the abdomen is bright red.

The Yellow Male

This is the same as the above, but in yellow form and are more commonly seen at this stage.

The 'Teneral' Male

This male has just emerged early in the morning. It's one reason to start early... very few adult odes, but often plenty of new arrivals.

An unfortunate end to a male...

The Female

The female is very similar to the yellow male, but it is slightly smaller and has much more black colouring to the abdomen.

The 'Teneral' Female

I saw this female emergence on the same day as the teneral male above. I was very happy indeed!

I have spotted this species at a number of places around Thailand, but it isn't seen all that often. I know it is widespread and can be seen most, if not all, year round. I have seen this species primarily near rivers.