69. Diplacodes nebulosa (Fabricius, 1793)

Number: 69

Family: Libellulidae

Genus: Diplacodes

Species: Diplacodes nebulosa

Common name(s): Black-tipped Percher, Blacktip Skimmer, 

Little Cloudy Darter, Charcoal-winged Percher

Thai name(s):แมลงปอบ้านคู่ปลายปีกดำ, แมลงปอบ้านปลายปีกดำ

Habitat: Exposed ditches, drains, ponds and lakes (mainly lowlands)
Province(s) sighted: Nam Nao NP (Petchabun); Widespread (Khon Kaen); Khao Yai (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Khao Soi Dao (Chantaburi); small pond (Kabin Buri); farmer's pond (Prachaub Khiri Khan).
Sightings (by me):  Common in localised areas
In flight (that I have seen): October-April

Another common dragonfly of the Diplacodes genus, is Diplacodes nebulosa. I have seen this species regularly and pretty much all year round, especially at small to large vast lakes with lots of land around.

The mature male

The mature male is completely "powder" blue, This species is distinctive because of its wings. There is a black mark at the end of each wing.

Another male basking in the sunshine ...

Powder blue...

A close-up of the mature male to demonstrate just how blue the species really goes. You can still make out the markings underneath too!

The young male

This is a younger male which has the same wing patterns and markings, but yet hasn't started to pruinose.

The teneral male

This is a teneral male which has the same thoracic markings, but yet hasn't started to pruinose or have any colour to its wings. It was a very pale and hairy looking thing.

The female

The female is similar to the younger male, but has slightly different markings and the abdomen is more robust.

The teneral female

The female is similar to the adult female, but its eyes are much lighter in colour and has whitish markings along the top of its wings.

A copula

I was lucky to see a copula in the wheel position a few years back, but it's not the best photo ever. I will hopefully get a better one soon.