Number: 51
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Orthetrum
Species: Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum
Common name(s): Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk, Pink Skimmer,
Common Red Skimmer, Black-bodied Skimmer
Thai name(s): แมลงปอบ้านเสือผู้ม่วงแดง, แมลงปอบ้านเสือผู้ม่วง, แมลงปอบ้านสีหม่นท้องแดง
Habitat: Exposed trickles, seepage, streams and rivers (uplands and lowlands)
Province(s) sighted: Phu Wiang/environs (Khon Kaen); Nam Nao NP/environs (Petchabun); Phu Rua NP/environs (Loei); Widespread (Chiang Mai); Khao Yai (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Khao Soi Dao (Chantaburi); Nakhorn Nayok, Kanchanaburi environs (Kanchanaburi).
Sightings (by me): Extremely common
In flight (that I have seen): March-December (probably all year)
Province(s) sighted: Phu Wiang/environs (Khon Kaen); Nam Nao NP/environs (Petchabun); Phu Rua NP/environs (Loei); Widespread (Chiang Mai); Khao Yai (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Khao Soi Dao (Chantaburi); Nakhorn Nayok, Kanchanaburi environs (Kanchanaburi).
Sightings (by me): Extremely common
In flight (that I have seen): March-December (probably all year)
The 4th Orthetrum species I have added to my blog, is the second species of the genus I saw, Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum. Often confused with O. chrysis it is fairly common on the edge of forested areas. That said, I have seen a fairly large group of this species living happily around a tiny drainage puddle just outside Khon Kaen city. So they are obviously not that fussy.
The male
The males have a 'dusty' red abdomen and a purple/blue thorax. They are are also fairly easy to get close to and photograph.
Male in the hand ...
The male of this species has a grey frons (face), compared to the bright red face of O. Chrysis and is the easiest way to tell the difference.
The female
The females of this genus are difficult to differentiate. However, this female rested momentarily after copulation (same female as bottom two pictures), before she began ovipositing. Therefore, it was easy to identify.
The copula
I have spotted copula of this species on numerous occasions ... though they are hard to get near.
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You can see this species most of the year from forested areas to slight seepage in open areas throughout the country.
Hi Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI use your blog a lot for identifying my Odonata pictures. Soon I will also have to identify the larvae. Im working on a study that focusses on the impact of predator species on the dengue fever transmitting mosquito Aedes aegypti (in Thailand). And dragonfly larvae are some of the predators I will look at. I was wondering if you know any good source for identifying Odonata larvae. Your blog is great, keep up the good work!!
Cheers Robbie
Hi Robbie
DeleteMany thanks for the message and what an amazing and important study you are undertaking! As far as larvae go, I have no idea what species is what. However, I think I know a man who does - C.Y. Choong. He is Malaysian and obviously concentrates on Malaysian odonates. He has already identified many larvae (which can be seen on his blog), many of which are also seen in Thailand. I don't know him personally, but I'm sure he will be very interested to help you with your project. His English is also very good.
His blog is - http://odonata-malaysia.blogspot.com/
Hope this is of some use. Good luck with your study
Cheers
Dennis
Hi Dennis,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information. This guys seems to capture the larvae and looks what species they are after they have emerged, very interesting. I will have thorough look at has blog and if needed I will contact him. I wonder why his blog never showed up in my search results. Thanks again.
Cheers Robbie
How does this species differ with O. pruinosum clelia?
ReplyDelete