131: Lestes decipiens Kirby, 1893

Number: 131 / Family: Lestidae / Genus: Lestes

Species: Lestes decipiens / Anchor-marked Spreadwing*

Habitat: Exposed Natural Upland Ponds (Heavily Tree-lined at the Edges)
Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum, Chiang Mai, Nakhorn Ratchasima, Petchabun

In flight: April-August / Sightings (by me): Uncommon

Species easily confused with: All Lestes species

*As there is no common name, I named it 'Anchor-marked' after the Thai name and 'Spreadwing' as the common name for the genus, Lestes. 

On my recent trip to Khao Yai NP, I saw a number of new species, as well as being on the receiving end of a million leech bites! However, it was all worth it, as I saw a beautiful new species in Lestes decipiens. I saw this species once before in Chiang Mai, but the photos are too poor for a true ID. It was resting at the edge of the pond in open water, early in the morning and was the very first species I saw that day... anything else was a bonus! Since then, I have seen this species regularly or, at least, I used to... the similar-looking L. dorothea seems to rule the roost nowadays. 

The male
A beautiful specimen, that has a rather short abdomen, 
compared to L. platystylus. This specimen also has heavy pruinescence and therefore the dorsal 'scallop' shape is hidden. Still, a great looking damselfly and a new species for me.

Close up of the face.

The Copula

The Female

Upon my return to Khao Yai, I managed to spot a copula, which was brilliant to watch. The female (still with the male attached) oviposited for long periods. Here is a close-up of the female (part of a copula).

Ovipositing

Here, the female is ovipositing onto rotting vegetation.

Many, many thanks to Mr. Oleg Kosterin for the ID of the male.