207: Macromia cupricincta Fraser, 1924

Number: 207 / Family: Macromiidae / Genus: Macromia
Species: Macromia cupricincta / Copper-banded River Cruiser*
Habitat: Forested streams

Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum, Chantaburi, Nong Khai, Petchabun, Sakhon Nakhon
Sightings: Uncommon
In flight: May - August
Species easily confused with: Macromia moorei

*As it doesn't have a common name, I have decided upon 'Copper-banded' which is a rough translation of 'cupricincta' and 'River Cruiser' being named after the genus Macromia.

During the death throes of the day's light, I was sitting in a bungalow with my wife, Beau, at Krathing Waterfall, when I suddenly heard a loud thud on the window followed by the distinctive 'clacking' sound of a dragonfly. I jumped into action and saw it on the floor outside trying the get upright again. I grabbed it quickly and knew it was Macromia straight away but not sure which species (there are at least ten in the genus and I have only seen one). I hastily put my gear together (everything was being charged for the following day) and started shooting it. Sadly, the lighting was terrible. So, I waited until the morning when there was more light, though it was still very dull with the pending rains. I managed to snap away and with decent shots I did a little research. I landed on Tom's awesome blog (as I usually do now -- thanks, Tom!) and it was quite easy to work out that it was Macromia cupricincta, which I have now named the Copper-banded River Cruiser. The unique curve at the base of the wings near the anal loop as well as the protrusion on S10 make identification possible. Yay! Another species for my records. Since this post, I have sen this species 5-6 times.

The Male
It is similar to other species in the genus but has a few distinctive features. This is an older specimen.

And this one has the typical 'rusty' end segments...

This one from Chaiyaphum...

Another male in hand (Chantaburi) which flew into my door.

 One is the curved wing near the anal loop...

 ... then there is that dull brownish face to go with its awesome emerald eyes...

... and, of course, that protrusion on S10...

The Female

This is not my photo. This was taken by my brother, Paul, who is a birder and looks up more than me! I wasn't even there but I thought it would be a good place to show it. Hopefully. I will get to see the female one day.