182. Ceriagrion malaisei Schmidt, 1964

Number: 182   

Family: Coenagrionidae

Genus: Ceriagrion     
Species: Ceriagrion malaisei
Common name(s): N/A   
Synonyms: N/A    
Habitat: Lowland forest stream
Province(s) sighted: Pha Ing Waterfall (Chaiyaphum)  
Sightings (by me): Rare 
In flight (that I have seen): March    
Species easily confused with: Ceriagrion sp.; Ceriagrion chaoi

Thanks to Tom Kompier, I am now able to confidently say that I have definitely seen Ceriagrion malaisei. This means that my earlier sighting back in 2011 must now been downgraded to Ceriagrion sp. Although it is very similar, it is, in fact, as different species. C. malaisei has a longer abdomen than the Ceriagrion sp. and there are several differences between this one and C. chaoi. When I visited Ph Ing Waterfall in Chaiyaphum, I managed to spot on one male hiding deep in the grasses. However, it was a blisteringly hot day and was in the middle of a drought. Therefore, I expect t see many more when I return. Likewise, it means I will have to return to a pond (which I will struggle to find) about 5 hours away to get myself a specimen of the Ceriagrion sp. as it is most likely a species yet to be described. What a shame hehe.

Not the best shot in the world, but enough for a positive ID.

Once again, many thanks to Tom Kompier for the ID.