157 Gomphidia abbotti abbotti (Williamson, 1907)

Number: 157

Family: Gomphidae

Genus:  Gomphidia

Species:  Gomphidia abbotti abbotti

Common name(s): N/A

Synonyms: N/A

Habitat: Slow-moving uplands streams

Province(s) sighted: Mae Sa Waterfall (Chiang Mai); Khao Yai NP (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Small stream in Chaiyaphum province; Khao Soi Dao Waterfall (Chantaburi)

Sightings (by me): Uncommon

In flight (that I have seen): March-April

Species easily confused with: Gomphidinctnus perakensis; Gomphidia kruegeri kruegeri; Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops; Ictinogomphus rapax

Sitting at home in my underpants and the new species keep on coming! Almost 3 years ago, I went on a dragonfly hunt around Chiang Mai for 2 months. Unfortunately, I was a complete novice, with Noppadon Makbun being my only aide. Now I am far better at IDing species and thought I would look back at my old shots from field trips of yesteryear. Eventually a new species popped up in the shape of Gomphidia abbotti abbotti. I only managed to take one record shot (I probably thought it was  Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops back then). Anyway, it's still a new species and another off my checklist ... roll on 200 species. Moral of the story ... keep all your photos and check through them from time to time. Just found an old photo of a male of this species from my old shots at Khao Yai ... unfortunately it's a rubbish shot and not worth showing. Since then, I have seen this species a few more times. However, it is extremely difficult to get near and flies away at the slightest movement.

The male

The male likes to perch over slow-moving rivers and cam be identified from others due to its unique markings on the thorax. It has what look like 4 teardrops. 

Here's the first male I ever saw in Chiang Mai.

Hopefully, I will see this species again soon and I will find a more cooperative specimen.