89. Heliocypha biforata biforata (Selys, 1859)

No: 89 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Heliocypha

Name: Heliocypha b. biforata / Black-tipped Jewel* 

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

*As there is no common name, I have adapted the Thai name 'Black-tipped' and at least one species in the genus Heliocypha, has ben given the name 'Jewel', giving Black-tipped Jewel.

A lovely little damselfly that I see often at streams and rivers, is Heliocypha biforata, which I have given the common name Black-tipped Jewel. 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 and the black tip on the wings which gives it its name.

The 'Young' Male

This young male really highlights the vivid blue/pink markings on its wings and looks far more impressive than the mature males. You will find this stage of damselfly away from the water, often with females, rather than down at the stream.

The 'Teneral' Male

Though it has most of the patternation, it has almost no colouration at the moment. It eve has whitish eyes.

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...

The 'Young' Female

This is a young female which will eventually turn more blue like the specimen above.

The 'Teneral' Female

Like with the newly emerged male, this female doesn't yet have any colour.

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.