54. Davidius fruhstorferi (Martin, 1904)

Number: 54

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Davidius

Species: Davidius fruhstorferi

Common name(s): N/A

Thai name(s): แมลงปอเสือฟรูห์สะตอร์เฟอร์

Habitat: Exposed ponds, forested streams (uplands)
Province(s) sighted: Doi Inthanon (Chiang Mai).
Sightings (by me): Rare
In flight (that I have seen): April (probably much longer)

A small but beautiful dragonfly I saw at Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, was Davidius fruhstorferi. I saw the male on a small number of occasions, but failed to spot the female. It is a very shy species and is ready to fly high up into the trees if frightened. I did managed to get some good photos though. I saw 3 males during the time I was there.

The male

Its a small dragonfly, but has really bold yellow and black markings to the thorax. The anal appendages are also an interesting shape.

The teneral male

I was lucky enough to also spot a teneral male (newly hatched), also at Doi Inthanon. You can tell by the colours being dull and not formed, as well as the wings have a real sheen to them before they have developed properly.

This species was identified thanks to Noppadon Makbun and I am led to believe that it is uncommon. I have only seen this species in Chiang Mai, at Doi Inthanon.