4. Sympetrum hypomelas (Selys, 1884)

No: 4 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Sympetrum

Name: Sympetrum hypomelas / Tricoloured Darter* 

Habitat: Uplands ponds

Province(s) sighted: Loei, Nakhon Nayok, Phitsanulok

In flight: July-December / Sightings (by me): Locally common  

Easily confused with: Sympetrum thailandensis

*As there is no common name, I have based this on the three distinctive colours for 'Tricoloured' and darter being a common term for Sypetrum species.

This is Sympetrum hypomelas. I have seen this species at a few places and it is locally common. But at Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei, it is a different matter. If it is uncommon, it certainly isn't at that place... they are everywhere. The males are seen at every little pool of water and the females can easily be seen if you look in the bushes slightly away from the water's edge. Since posting this, I have seem this species a number of times and it cam be locally abundant later in the year.

The Male

Really easy to spot with its bright red thorax and abdomen, with distinct black and yellow markings on the thorax. It really is a beautiful dragonfly. 

Caught in the act...

This male simply didn't move and I was able to catch him easily with my fingers. Here he is held by my patient girlfriend, Beau. No dragonflies were hurt in this production ;)

The 'Young' Male

This is a young male that will eventually start to turn red.

The 'Teenage' Male?!

This one is neither here nor there. Not yellow and not yet red. Probably just stays in his bedroom listening to grunge.

The 'Teneral' Male

This is newly emerged male and currently still very 'fresh'.

The Female

Very similar to the male, but more robust and has more prominent markings along the abdomen. Like the male, the young female is yellow. Many can be spotted if you look slightly away from the water's edge.

Here's a slightly older and duller female.