199: Dysphaea dimidiata dimidiata Selys, 1853

No: 199 / Family: Euphaeidae / Genus: Dysphaea

Name: Dysphaea dimidiata dimidiata / Black Velvetwing 

Habitat: Lowland forested and sandy streams
Province(s) sighted: Narathiwat; Yala; Songkhla
In flight: April & August / Sightings (by me): Uncommon 

Easily confused with: Dysphaea vanida

Another species that I hoped to see as it seems common in the south was Dysphaea dimidiata dimidiata. I did manage to spot a small number of males, but each one was as difficult to approach as the next. I first saw two males battling it out with a Gomphidia abbotti abbotti on a fallen tree overhanging the River Narwi. They were so skittish that I ended up literally having to swim to the other side of the river and creep up on them... you can imagine how hard that was. Eventually, one settled down and I managed to fire off a few decent shots of it in blazing sunshine -- though  did have to swim around quite a lot to get all the shots I wanted. So, another one in the bag, though this attempt did mess up my camera for a day. 

I also managed to spot a couple more males along the same stretch of river and I saw a solitary male at a shallow and sandy stream on the lower reaches. Fortunately, I was able to see a few more specimens when I returned in August, 2025 when I visited Narathiwat, Yala and Songkhla. Though I didn't get to see the female, I did get improvement shots.

Sadly, I didn't get to spot the female, but I am happy enough to get the male!

The Male
The male is instantly recognisable with its black and clear wings and is a fairly large damselfly. However, if you get it at the right angle with the sun on it, it can shimmer purplish-blue. Looks stunning I think.

Not shimmering in the light and looks matte black.