120. Hydrobasileus croceus (Brauer, 1867)

Number: 120

Family: Libellulidae

Genus:  Hydrobasileus

Species:  Hydrobasileus croceus

Common name(s): Amber-winged Glider, Zigzag Glider, Water Monarch

Thai name(s): แมลงปอบ้านชายปีกทอง
Habitat: Exposed ponds and lakes (uplands)

Location(s): Khao Yai National Park (22/04/2011) and Nam Nao environs (July-August 2011)

Sightings (by me): Not common but not uncommon, but impossible to see one that has landed.
In flight (that I have seen): July-August (longer, I'm sure)

A large dragonfly I saw battling right in the middle of a natural pond at Khao Yai National Park, was Hydrobasileus croceus. There were two males and a female, which never seemed to land. Instead carried out a number of threat displays, probably because the female was full of eggs (they look bright yellow/green at the end of the female's abdomen (dragonfly closest to the bottom of the picture). Only 1 male seemed to land and that was at an inaccessible tree on the other side of the pond (just my luck!). However, though quite small this image is good enough to identify the species, especially the male top left. They were amazing to watch and were extremely loud when they collided with each other. I hope to spot one in the resting position one day for better quality pictures.