115: Indothemis limbata limbata (Selys, 1891)

Number: 115 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus:  Indothemis

Species:  Indothemis limbata limbata / Restless Demon
Habitat: Exposed Ponds and Lakes (Uplands and Lowlands)

Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Petchabun

Sightings (by me): Locally Common
In flight (that I have seen): February-November

Species easily confused with: Indothemis carnatica

On the way back from Khao Yai NP to a resort where I was staying, I noticed a natural, established pond, just inside the national park. Here I instantly saw 3 new species (for me), one of which was Indothemis limbata limbata. There were 2 males present at the water's edge. I also saw a female very briefly in flight and had no opportunity to photograph it. The female is like the male, but brown/beige in colour. Small in size, they were constantly being attacked by other species and didn't stay still for long. They perched on long stemmed grasses which jutted out over the pond and flew to another blade, the second there was any movement. Even using a 300mm lens it was hard to get near them. I did manage to capture a few photos though. Since then, I have visited Nam Nao environs and this species was very common here. I have photographed many specimens from Nam Nao. Since then, I have spotted this species quite regularly at numerous locations. Commonly known as the Restless Demon, it is easy to see why as it chases anything that moves, making photography quite tough.

The Male

This small male is dark in colouration, with a black head/thorax and a royal blue abdomen. Caudal appendages blue also. The base of the hind wings and tips are black and the rest of the wings are royal blue. 

Blue nose...

This photo shows just how blue the male's face is. Looks rather nice, I think.

The 'Teneral' Male...

This male is still yellow. It will become blue/royal blue with age. This male was far back from the waterside in the bushes. When frightened, it flew straight up and into the treetops. Probably where all the females are!

The Female

I think this is an old female, with a brown thorax and blue abdomen - the only time I have seen it like this.

The 'Young' Female

I was lucky enough to spot a young female. This one was in Khao Yai NP, but I have seen it quite a lot.