88. Aristocypha iridea iridea (Selys, 1891)

No: 88 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Aristocypha

Name: Aristocypha iridea iridea / Sky-striped Jewel* / แมลงปอเข็มปีกดําแถบท้องฟ้า

Habitat: Upland streams

Province(s): Chiang Mai
In flight: April / Sightings (by me): Rare

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

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

Another uncommon montane species I was lucky enough to spot when I visited Doi Inthanonon, Chiang Mai, was Aristocypha iridea iridea. It was sitting on a branch that streched out across the river and was happily soaking up the afternoon sun.

The male

The markings on the abdomen make it easy to identify. This was the only male that I saw in the whole time I was in Chiang Mai.

The female ???

This female was the only other specimen anywhere near the male above. It was perched on a branch very close by and they often came into contact with one another before the returned back to their exact places. I haven't seen any photos of the female and can only assume that this is it. Also, being at around 1400-1500 metres up, I'm not sure other species of the genus, go that high. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know.