216. Tetrathemis hyalina Kirby, 1889

Number: 216 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Tetrathemis

Species: Tetrathemis hyalina / Elf

Habitat: Forested Swampy Ponds

Provinces sighted: Chantaburi, Phuket, Narathiwat

Sightings: Uncommon

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

Species easily confused with: Tetrathemis platyptera

Well, I think I can finally put this species into the 'seen' bank. Going all the way back to 2011, I saw what I thought was Tetrathemis hyalina. However, I think I actually got the two species (T. platyptera) as they were living side by side. In fact, I was so confused that I actually decided to not count it as a record, especially as I didn't think it could be found as high up as Khao Yai. That is until I saw it again seven years later in Chantaburi. Now, I am convinced it is in fact the same species and I should have had more faith in Noppadon's ID (he is never wrong haha).

It is very similar in appearance to its common cousin but there are subtle differences. The easy way to separate them is through the almost clear (or hyaline) wings as well as the reduced size of the markings on the abdomen of the Elf. Since then, I have managed to spot a female in Phuket and also a small number of males at a swampy pond in Narathiwat... though they were a bugger to get anywhere near.

The Male

Super skittish and took me an age to get these (very happy with them). The abdomen of the male is much slimmer than that of the common species, which is the easiest way to split them. Of course, the lack of enfumed wings is also a feature, though not all T. platyptera do have yellowish wing bases, so it isn't a guarantee.

The Female

Here is the female from Chantaburi.