207. Macrogomphus parallelogramma albardae Selys, 1878

Number: 207

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Macrogomphus

Species: Macrogomphus parallelogramma albardae

Common name(s): N/A

Synonym(s): N/A 

Habitat: Lowland forested stream (shallow and sandy-bottomed)

Province(s) sighted: Below Hala below-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary (Narathiwat) 

Sightings (by me): 3-4 males

In flight (that I have seen): April    

Species easily confused with: Macrogomphus matsukii

My last 'new species' for my records from Narathiwat is a beauty. At a shallow and sandy-bottomed stream I instantly noticed a fairly large Gomphid. As I closed in, I knew it was a Macrgomphus species but it flew away before I got decent shots of it. I continued wading through the stream and noticed at least 2 other males. Both of these were far easier to approach and I managed to snap away, though one was clinging on to grass which made photography difficult. I also managed to get fairly decent shots of the appendages and, therefore, was able to get a solid ID when I returned back to base. It turns out to be Macrogomphus parallelogramma albardae a species that is known from the south of Thailand. I was really happy to see it and it is the second I have managed to find in the genus. Sadly, the female escaped my lens... until next time!

The male.

The Appendages.
The easiest way to separate most Gomphids! Always get close-ups if you can.

205. Megalogomphus sumatranus (Krüger, 1899)

Number: 205

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Megalogomphus

Species: Megalogomphus sumatranus

Common name(s): N/A

Synonym(s): Heterogomphus sumatranus Krüger, 1899; Heterogomphus unicolor, Martin, 1902

Habitat: Lowland exposed and sandy-bottomed forest stream

Province(s) sighted: Small sandy stream , Hala below-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary (Narathiwat) 

Sightings (by me): 1 male (fleeting glimpse)

In flight (that I have seen): April    

Species easily confused with: Megalogomphus icterops

 This species was a complete surprise... Wading through a shallow and sandy stream at the lower reaches of Hala-Bala, I came across a large green dragon basking in the late afternoon sunshine. I edged forward but armed with only a 180mm macro lens, I wasn't that confident I would get in a shot. However, before it literally flew very, very far away, I managed to get away one record shot good enough for an ID. It turns out to be Megalogomphus sumatranus (confirmed by Noppadon Makbun) which is known from the south of Thailand. Maybe not the best shot in the world, but sooooo happy to see such a beauty. I tried for a few hours to find again but to no avail. 

The male
Quite simply, this is one of the largest and most beautiful species I have ever seen!

192. Microgomphus thailandica Asahina, 1981

Number: 192  

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Microgomphus

Species: Microgomphus thailandica

Common name(s): -  

Synonyms: N/A    

Habitat: Small mid-range forested stream   

Province(s) sighted: Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (Chaiyaphum)

Sightings (by me): Rare (1 male, though more reported from there) 

In flight (that I have seen): August   

Species easily confused with: Microgomphus sp.

So, with a new month comes baking heat again... and a new species. Microgomphus thailandica is a species that I knew resided at Phu Khieo as it had already been recorded there by Andrew Pierce. However, for some reason, it had managed to evade my lens for over two years. Finally, last Saturday, I was trawling along the stream bed of a narrow, dull stream noting a few common species, when my eyes focused on a little gomphid staring at me from the top of a frond. I edged towards it and flew about five metres from where it was and into blinding sunshine. I edged forward again and this time managed to fire off a few photos before it flew high up into the tree canopy. Though I wasn't entirely sure I had a new species for my records in the bag at the time, it only took a few minutes research at home to realise that it was, indeed, another species. I was clicking my heels with excitement, I can tell you! I will be returning soon to continue my search along these murky, relatively under recorded streams and hopefully can find a more cooperative male as well as a female and a host of other species.

The male.
The male, seen here basking in the baking heat, looks similar to many other small gomphids but can be separated by its unique appendages (just visible in the second photo where it kind of looks like a mini 'OK'). I will attempt to catch one next time for a close up of the appendages.

173. Asiagomphus xanthenatus xanthenatus (Williamson, 1907)

Number: 173 
Family: Gomphidae 
Genus: Asiagomphus 
Species: Asiagomphus xanthenatus xanthenatus 
Common name(s):N/A 
Synonyms: N/A   
Habitat: Upland forested stream 
Province(s) sighted: Kaeng Krachan 
Sightings (by me): Rare 
In flight (that I have seen): April   
Species easily confused with: All Gomphids

Whilst visiting Kaeng Krachan, I managed to spot a number of species I had come across before. I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed and ended up concentrating on butterflies. No idea why, but I could have been a few weeks early for the rarer species. That said, as I was about to cross one of the streams that cross the road, a Gomphid landed momentarily. I managed only a record shot before it, too, shot off. I researched it when I returned home and I was confident it was Asiagomphus xanthenatus xanthenatus, confirmed later by Noppadon Makbun. So I did get a new species after all, but it was a poor shot ... until the next time we meet!

 

172. Macrogomphus matsukii Asahina, 1986

Number: 172 

Family: Gomphidae 

Genus: Macrogomphus 

Species: Macrogomphus matsukii  

Common name(s):N/A

Synonyms: N/A  

Habitat: Uncertain (though believed to be lowland forest areas) 

Province(s) sighted: My school, Khon Kaen environs (Khon Kaen)

 Sightings (by me): Rare 

In flight (that I have seen): June  

Species easily confused with: TBC

Though it may not seem like it, I have been busy searching for new odonates for a while and it has been rather futile. Khon Kaen in still exceptionally dry, especially as we should be well and truly into the rainy season by now. Every trip (several to Phu Wiang, Nam Phong and once to Nam Nao) has yielded very little. To the point, every trip seems to turn into a butterfly trip instead (I do like photographing them too). Today, though, things changed for the better ... and I was actually sat at my desk at school. A work colleague came in and informed me that a large black and yellow dragonfly had crash-landed into a massive window in the school corridor. I dashed out thinking it would be Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops. Yet, no, it wasn't. I could see it was a new species straight away though wasn't entirely sure. I caught him with my fingers and later on I took photos of him, before releasing him again. By then, I was confident that it was Macrogomphus matsukii, a new species for Khon Kaen and another species for my record list. So, I am certainly a happy camper right now. Still, I can't help but wonder whether it was just passing through Khon Kaen as there isn't a stream, forest or even a pond for a good distance from school. Only he really knows ... unless I find a new place with several specimens one day. Watch this space. 

Resting just after release. I had to be quick as it was going dark and he flew away about 30 seconds later. 

Being photographed close up ...

... and his appendages close up.

Next trip: haven't decided ... but I hope he is the start of things to come ...

---. Unknown Gomphid

Number: --- 
Family:   Gomphidae
Genus: Unknown 
Species: Unknown
Common name(s):N/A
Synonyms: N/A 
Habitat: Rocky forested stream
 Province(s) sighted: Pa La-U Waterfall (Pratchup Khirikhan)
Sightings (by me): Solitary female
In flight (that I have seen): May (2014) 
Species easily confused with: -

Whilst I was at Pa La-U waterfall, I was lucky enough to spot another emergence. This time, it was a medium-sized Gomphid. In the blazing sunshine, the dragonfly emerged rather quickly. Unfortunately, it is a female and at this stage (lacking colour, markings and other attributes) it is extremely difficult to confidently ID. So, though exciting to watch my first ever Gomphid emerge, I am annoyed that I can't ID it. Hopefully, somebody somewhere may know. For now, I can only call it Unknown Gomphid.

 Now fully emerged and stretched.

Appendages (close up) ...

Whilst 'pumping' her abdomen straight, she emitted a clear liquid which came out in rather large quantities.

Hopefully someone can ID this specimen or at least determine the genus (I have no idea).

---. Burmagomphus sp.

Number: --- 
Family:   Gomphidae
Genus: Burmagomphus 
Species: Burmagomphus sp.
Common name(s):N/A
Synonyms: N/A 
Habitat: Sandy shallow stream
 Province(s) sighted: Pa La-U Waterfall (Pratchup Khirikhan)
Sightings (by me): Solitary female
In flight (that I have seen): May (2014) 
Species easily confused with: Burmagomphus species

During my trip I also briefly saw a female Burmagomphus species, which landed momentarily in front of me. I managed one poor quality snap and it was off. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to spot a male. I do believe it is a different female to the two other species I have seen from the genus. The markings along the abdomen seem somewhat different. However, until I return to the same location and spot the male, I can only say Burmagomphus sp.

The female

The female is typically Burmagomphus-like in appearance. However, the markings along the abdomen are new to me and differ to the two species I have encountered before (B. divaricatus and B. asahinai).

169. Stylogomphus sp. 2

Number: 169 
Family:   Gomphidae
Genus: Stylogomphus sp. 2
Species: Stylogomphus sp. (yet to be described)
Common name(s):N/A
Synonyms: N/A 
Habitat: Forested rocky stream
 Province(s) sighted: Pa La-U Waterfall (Pratchup Khirikhan)
Sightings (by me): Several males and one female
In flight (that I have seen): May (2014) 
Species easily confused with: -

Working my way carefully up the beautiful Pa La-U waterfall, a tiny female Gompid landed right between my legs (I almost stood on it). I managed to get some decent photos of it from above and then it flew away. I had no idea what it was and it was easily the smallest Gomphid I had ever seen. Then, I saw a similar-sized male. Then another and another. There were at least 6-7 males present and I was able to get some decent photos of them. When I returned home, I posted my findings on "Dragonflies of Thailand" on Facebook and the feedback was unanimous (Noppadon Makbun, Pattarawich Dawwrueng, Kroolek Reinthong): Stylogomphus sp. (not yet described as far as I am aware). I had actually seem a solitary male once before at Nam Nao NP, but that one was much larger in size, whereas these were tiny. Also, I think the appendages differ slightly too. However, where I can tell the difference from my photos (and not just memory), is through the number of antenodal crossviens. Stylogomphus sp. 2 from Kaeng Krachan has 9-10 antenodal crossveins, whereas Stylogomphus sp. 1 from Petchabun has 15. You can see images of the Petchabun specimen here.

The male

A tiny fellow that doesn't seem to fly far, but instead flies from rock to rock. Though superficially a typical-looking Gomphid, its appendages are unique (which is what gives it is name, I believe).

The appendages are like the stylus of an old record player (hence its name) ...

Wing venation

Here, you can easily compare the crossveins of the species I found at Kaeng Krachan and Petchabun. Somewhat different I think!

... and another specimen with 10 antenodal crossveins ...

 The female

The female is difficult to ID. However, it was also tiny making life easy for me (I only managed photos from this angle as it was perching directly between my feet).

168. Onychogomphus sp.

Number: 168
Family:   Gomphidae
Genus: Onychogomphus 
Species: Onychogomphus sp. (possibly yet to be described)
Common name(s):N/A
Synonyms: N/A 
Habitat: Forested rocky stream
 Province(s) sighted: Pa La-U Waterfall (Pratchup Khirikhan)
Sightings (by me): Solitary male
In flight (that I have seen): May (2014) 
Species easily confused with: Many Gomphids

As I made my way up Pa La-U Waterfall, a medium-sized Gomphid plonked down right in front of me. I managed to position myself and get some decent photos. However, as I tried to capture it, the thing flew off at great speed. I didn't get another chance to photograph or capture any further specimens. I wasn't sure what it was, but thought it was of the genus, Onychogomphus. This was confirmed by Kroolek Reinthong, following me posting it on Facebook. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to fit with any know species of the genus and is therefore probably yet to be described by science. Hopefully one day I can put a name to this beautiful creature.  For now, I will simply call it Onychogomphus sp. 

The male

A typical-looking meduim-sized male, but with enormous appendages. I think they could be used to grab teddy bears in those silly arcade games. 

167. Paragomphus capricornis (Förster, 1914)

Number: 167
Family:   Gomphidae
Genus: Paragomphus 
Species: Paragomphus capricornis (Förster, 1914)
Common name(s):Yellow-banded Hooktail
Synonyms: N/A 
Habitat: Forested sandy stream
 Province(s) sighted: Pa La-U Waterfall (Pratchup Khirikhan), Ched Sao Noi Waterfall (Sara Buri)
Sightings (by me): Small number of males
In flight (that I have seen): May (2014) 
Species easily confused with: N/A

A second species I saw for the first time recently, is a supposedly fairly common Gomphidae - but one which has eluded me in over five years. Paragomphus capricornis is a medium-sized Gomphid with terrifically gruesome appendages. Its unmistakable appendages make it easy to ID. However, it is extremely skittish and is also difficult to spot as it perches on sandy areas or small pebbles on the ground. I saw 3-4 males early in the morning at the same location where I saw a solitary O. culminicola. By the time the sun was at full heat, most of them had vanished. I did also spot an ovipositing female, but the photos are too poor to show.

One the way back to Khon Kaen I made a quick stop-off at a forested stream in Sara Buri province, called Ched Sao Noi waterfall (or seven young girls waterfall). No idea why. The place was packed with hundreds of locals escaping the blistering heat (it was free to enter). I walked along the stream away from swimmers and eventually saw another Gomphid - you guessed it, another P. capricornis. So, none in over five years and then several at two different locations within a week. 

The male

Easily recognised by its appendages and position on the ground ...  if I were a female, I wouldn't want to be collard by those appendages anyway.  Would you?

164. Phaenandrogomphus sp. (possibly P. asthenes Lieftinck, 1964)

Number: 164 
Family:  Gomphidae
Genus: Phaenandrogomphus
Species: Phaenandrogomphus sp. (possibly P. asthenes Lieftinck, 1964)
Common name(s):N/A
Synonyms: N/A 
Habitat: Exposed area of upland forested streams 
 Province(s) sighted: Khao Soi Dao waterfall
Sightings (by me): Common at this location 
In flight (that I have seen): April (2014) 
Species easily confused with: N/A

An extremely nice surprise was to see a newly emerged Gomphid. I was even fortunate enough to see it fill out, though I wish I'd arrived 15 minutes earlier to see the complete emergence. Still, I am happy to see yet another species for my personal list. It is clearly of the genus Phaenandrogomphus. However, it is too difficult to tell at this stage which exact species. Research points towards Phaenandrogomphus asthenes Lieftinck, 1964. However, the epipoct (lower appendage) seems too straight. This could be simply because it had just emerged. Unfortunately, I will probably never know, unless someone has witnessed an emergence of the same species. So, for the time being, I will leave it as Phaenandrogomphus sp.

The male.

With enormous accessory genitalia, it is clearly Phaenandrogomphus sp. However, lacking thoracic markings and colour, it is too difficult to be sure. 

 Now fully extended (and turned ready for his maiden flight high up into the trees).

His appendages ...

and his 'massive' accessory genitalia ... any dad would be proud haha

 ... and his old home.

If anyone can ID the species I will owe you one.