136. Merogomphus parvus (Krüger, 1899)

Number: 136

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Merogomphus

Species: Merogomphus parvus

Common name(s): N/A

Thai name(s): N/A

Habitat: Exposed but heavily weeded uplands stream

Province(s) sighted: Stream at Nam Nao NP Headquarters, stream 15 kms from HQ, large waerfall, nr. Lomsak (Petchabun); Khao Yai NP (Nakhorn Ratchasima).

Sightings (by me): Uncommon

In flight (that I have seen): April-July

Another species I saw, but only got a fleeting glimpse of, was Merogomphus parvus, which has been confirmed by Noppadon Makbun. 

Since I returned to the same place, I managed to capture good photos of of the adult male.

The male...
He's a really stunning little fellow. However, it's a very shy creature and difficult to get close to. The male looks like many other species in the same genus. However, the white dorsal patch on S6-7 seems consistent (though does vary slightly), and it quite visible. This specimen I saw at a large waterfall near Lomsak, resting on the only bit of sandy deposits in the area.

This male was at a stream 15 kms from Nam Nao NP HQ, Petchabun.

This male I saw at Khao Yai.

Male in the hand ... 

This was the best I managed in extreme low light.

Caudal appendages

Dorsal view ... this was the best I managed in terrible lighting. Both superior (white) and inferior (black) appendages are in line when looking from above.

Lateral view ... here you can see how the inferior appendages are shorter and curve upwards.

The 'teneral' male

I saw this male briefly as it rested on a large lilly pad. However, once I got closer it flew away quickly. 

It hope to get the female next time!