Thursday, May 10, 2018

202. Tyriobapta torrida Kirby, 1889

Number: 202 
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Tyriobapta
Species: Tyriobapta torrida
Common name(s): Tree Hugger
Synonym(s): N/A
Habitat: On a concrete post near a trickle of water and a small stream
Province(s) sighted: Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary and To Mo Community Forest (Narathiwat) 
Sightings (by me): 2 males 
In flight (that I have seen): April    
Species easily confused with: -- 

The first 'new' southern species I saw when I arrived at Hala-Bala WS was a bit of a surprise. Not because of the species, but because of the fact that it was happily 'hugging' a concrete post. In fact, once I managed to get decent photos I moved too much as it simply flew to the next post... we are, of course, talking about the awesome Tyriobapta torrida, commonly known as the 'Tree Hugger'. However, here I get the impression that they are as much at home on posts as they are on trees! He did eventually fly slightly further away and onto a tree when I attracted the attention of a few locals. Maybe it should be renamed as the Concrete Post Hugger, though I am not sure that this name is as nice haha. 

I was also able to catch the male with my fingers for a few quick snaps before he flew to -- you guessed it -- another concrete post!

I also saw a second male a stream lower down but this one was most certainly on a tree and was far more skittish. Sadly, I didn't get to see a female and I really wanted to as they are very different in appearance. Until the next time!

The male
He is easy to identify (if you can find it) due to its distinctive blue/clear wings.

The first male on 'his' concrete post
The second male at the stream

The first male now in hand...



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