72. Neurothemis fulvia (Drury, 1773)

No: 72 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Neurothemis

Name: Neurothemis fulvia / Russet Parasol* 

Habitat: Forested Drains, Ponds, Lakes and Slow Streams (Uplands & Lowlands)

Province(s): Widespread
In flight: Year-round / Sightings (by me): Very Common

Easily confused with: Camacinia gigantea, Neurothemis fluctuans, Neurothemis fulvia, Neurothemis ramburii

*Common name 'Russet Percher', but I have adapted it to fit the genus being known as 'Parasols', so the Russet Parasol.

A common dragonfly, I often spot at the edge of forests, is Neurothemis fulvia. It is easy to identify and if you see one, you should see a number of them at the same time. If you find water in or on the edge of a forest, you will often come across this species.

The Male

The male is sometimes red and sometimes brown, depending on age. The patterns on the wings make it easy to identify. They like to perch on branches and twigs near water, as well as a good distance away. This specimen, I saw in Chiang Mai, is more of a red colour.

The 'Young' Male

This male (younger than the one above), will eventually become more like the specimen above. 

The Female

The female is as interesting as the male, as it seems to also have a number of shades of colour and depending on age. This one is more of a brownish colour with a much lighter form below.

Another 'Young' Female

The following female I saw in Chiang Rai and have slightly different wing colours. I think they look great.

What are you looking at?

This female was very inquisitive and landed right above my head, looking at what I was doing (probably anyway). I think it has a look of Mick Jagger!

The oldest male in the world...? I felt really sorry for this old guy and had to take a photo of him... he really does look like he's been in the wars and could tell his kids a story or two.