135: Burmagomphus divaricatus (Lieftinck, 1964)

Number: 135 / Family: Gomphidae / Genus: Burmagomphus

Species: Burmagomphus divaricatus / Sprayed Clubtail
Habitat: Exposed Sandy Forested Streams
Province(s) sighted: Chiang Mai, Petchabun, Pitsanoluk, Nakhorn Ratchasima, Udon Thani
Sightings (by me): Uncommon
In flight (that I have seen): April-August 

Species can be confused with: All Burmagomphus species

Back in 2011, another species I first ever saw at an open river in Khao Yai National Park, was a Burmagomphus species, I initially ID'd this species as B. williamsoni (Yes, I was clueless back then). However, Oleg Kosterin has since correctly IDd the species as Burmagomphus divaricatus, also known as the Sprayed Clubtail. Since then, I have seen it quite often tough it can be tricky to approach.

The male

The male is similar to many other Gomphidae. The thoracic markings are slightly different. However, its sprayed caudal appendages are what give it away.

You can see why it is called the 'sprayed' clubtail. The inferior (lower) appendages are sprayed out.

The 'Young' Male

The sub-adult male is very similar to the adult. However, it doesn't yet have the bright eyes. 

The 'Teneral' Male

I was fortunate enough to also spot a teneral male while I was at Khao Yai. I only managed a couple of photos before he retreated high up in the treetops.

Close up of the appendages.

Here's a teneral male I caught briefly ... shows just how small they are.

The Female

I have spotted a few females, but they are always almost impossible to get near. They tend to fly away at the slightest movement. Fortunately, as I wandered along the riverbank at almost 6 p.m., this one had settled down for the night. I even managed to capture her with my fingers. 

The same female before I caught it by hand (then released):

 The female's caudal appendages.

Now in the hand (for thoracic markings) ...

The Copula...

On a terrible day, with howling winds and heavy rain, I still managed to capture photos of something special. This copula is the only one I have ever seen of this genus. I saw it at an uplands river, which is exposed in Nam Nao environs. I have since spotted a second copula (terrible photos though) at Pui waterfall, Pitsanoluk environs.

Many, many thanks to Oleg Kosterin for the ID and generous information provided on the genus. Also, to Noppadon Makbun for confirming the second female I saw at Nam Nao.