89. Heliocypha biforata biforata (Selys, 1859)

No: 89 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Heliocypha

Name: Heliocypha b. biforata / Blue Jewel* / แมลงปอเข็มนําตกสั้นปลายปีกดํา

Habitat: Forested streams (uplands & lowlands)

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

Easily confused with: Aristocypha fenestrella, Aristocypha iridea, Heliocypha perforata limbata

*Name adapted up by me (based on Thai names/existing common names of other species in genus).

A lovely little damselfly that I see often at streams and rivers, is Heliocypha biforata. I used to really struggle to get close to it to take good photos, but the last trip I went on, to Chantaburi, I managed to get some decent photos of the male. They love to sit on the rocks in the hot afternoon sun right in the middle of the river.

The male

The male is easy to identify because of its colours/markings on the thorax and abdomen. 

Teneral male

This teneral male really highlights the vivid blue/pink markings on its wings.

The female

The female is also difficult to get close to, and takes a lot of stealthy movement.

The mature female has blue markings like this...

And the younger female, which has more yellow markings, is more commonly seen.

Close-up of the young female

Heliocypha b. biforata is a common and widespread species and can be seen all year round at rivers and streams.