116. Indothemis limbata limbata (Selys, 1891)

Number: 116

Family: Libellulidae

Genus:  Indothemis

Species:  Indothemis limbata limbata
Common name(s): Restless Demon
Thai name(s): แมลงปอบ้านอินโดดำ
Habitat: Exposed ditches, drains, ponds and lakes (uplands)

Province(s) sighted: Khao Yai (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Nam Nao NP/environs (Petchabun)

Sightings (by me): Very common at Nam Nao environs
In flight (that I have seen): February-November

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.

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. It is similar to I. carnatica, but there are a few differences.

A very early morning male (still sleeping) and extremely wet ...

Male in the hand ...

Blue nose...

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

Sub-adult male

Here, you can see that the markings on the male's abdomen are still yellow towards the latter segments.

And on this slightly younger still specimen, more segments have yellow colouration.

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

A very old female, with a brown thorax and blue abdomen - the only time i have seen this.

The young female

I was lucky enough to spot a young female at a large uplands pond at Khao Yai NP on my last visit. Lucky, as it was one of the only dragonflies there! 

Female, in the hand