133: Aciagrion hisopa (Selys, 1876)

Number: 133 / Family: Coenagrionidae / Genus: Aciagrion

Species: Aciagrion hisopa / Blue Slim

Habitat: Exposed but Weedy, Natural Uplands Ponds 
Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum, Nakhorn Ratchasima, Loei, Petchabun, Phitsanulok (poss. more)
Sightings (by me): Locally common
In flight: April-August

One genus that always confuses me is Aciagrion. Many are almost identical species, different populations and possibly subspecies that it is hard to work out what is what. However, more recently, a number of species were separated based on key identification factors. Fantastic news for all concerned... until you look again at Aciagrion hisopa. Going back through my records, it looks like there are at least two or three different forms, which could possibly end up being sub-species or even different species (cue brain explosion). For now, I am going to lump them together, but try to show the differences. Technically, I should throw the lot onto the hisopa-complex and leave it at that but I am excited to learn!

Male 'A'

T male has a very slim ocular stripe and the ocular spots are large. Also S8-10 are solid blue. 

Here, it gives you an idea of size... and the length of my horrible fingernails!

Female 'A'

The female is very similar to the male, though the eyes were a more vivid green. This specimen was tucked away deep in the bushes.

Young Female 'A'

Very similar to the adult, but is more of a grey colour and it has dorsal markings on S8-9, which disappear with time.

Copula 'A' 

Here, in the 'wheel' position.

I saw 3-4 copula that day, but they flew away at the slightest movement. It took me a long time to get these photos. Here, the female is ovipositing onto rotting vegetation.

Though slightly dark, this photo shows a wheel from above.

Female 'B'

Here is another female which I think is the 'true' form. You can clearly see that the ocular spots are far narrower. I am not sure if there is any variation between same species (i.e. different populations). 

Female 'C'

Like Female 'A', this one from Khao Yai National park, has large ocular spots and also has a blue patch part way along the abdomen like you see sometimes with Argiocnemis rubescens rubeola. Furthermore, this superficially looks more ilke A. pallidum. 

I will add more photos (of the males too), when I find them - they are all over my hard drive from years of neglect!

Teneral Female 'A'

Finally, a teneral female with large occular spots from Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, where hundreds had emerged and all looked the same.