Number: 121 / Family: Coenagrionidae / Genus: Ceriagrion
Species: Ceriagrion fallax / Black-tailed Marsh Dart
Habitat: Upland Forested Ponds
Province(s) sighted: Chiang Mai, Loei, Phitsanulok
Sightings (by me): Locally common
In flight (that I have seen): April-September
In flight (that I have seen): April-September
Back in April 2010, I visited Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai for 10 days, 9 nights and camped alone... quite literally. I was pretty much the only person there. It was a wonderful place where I encountered numerous new species, and one I will return to for sure. One species I saw fairly regularly in the bushes away from water, was Ceriagrion fallax. It's similar to C. indochinense, which are common around many lowland areas, even Khon Kaen. However, much of the latter segments of the abdomen are black. Since then I have found it at a number uplands ponds. It can be hard to find, but should you find it, it is usually quite local, but move stealthily.
The Male
As you can see, the male is similar to C. indochinense, except for the prominent black dorsal markings from S7-10. Caudal appendages black also. He is a rather handsome fellow.
The Female
Female is quite dull in comparison, though I do like her colours. For me, the female seems less skittish than the male, but seldom seen.
The Copula
A few years back, I was fortunate enough to see a copula at Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Loei province. I have seen it couple of times but the always flew away (especially Phu Luang WS, Loei where there were many). This one, however, allowed me to fire off a few shots before retreating into the grasses.
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