218. Amphicnemis gracilis Krüger, 1898

 Number: 218 / Family: Coenagrionidae / Genus: Amphicnemmis
Species: Amphicnemis gracilis / Will-o-wisp / แมลงปอเข็มพรุท้องยาว  
Habitat: Peat Swamp Forest
Province(s) seen (by me): Narathiwat
In flight: August / Sightings (by me): Rare (Two males, 1 female)
Species easily confused with: N/A

Finally, I got to see a species I had always wanted to see. However, known primarily from peat swamps I had never had the opportunity to see it... until August 2025. Searching in the main area of Sirindhorn Peat Swamp in Narathiwat with Noppadon Makbun on the first day we arrived, we didn't see it, though knew it was there: somewhere. Then, while searching areas outside the protected area, though still very much peat swamp, Noppadon shouted me over... and there it was in all its glory: one small male Amphicnemis gracilis a.k.a. Will-o-wisp... It was hiding in the gloom and almost impossible to see. I spent an age trying to get decent photos of it and eventually got one half-decent shot that I was happy with as it was so low down in gloom and I had earlier bust my knee! As I was firing away using all my skills, Noppadon shouted me again as he saw a female (red form). As he did so, I noticed a second male but as I waded towards Noppadon, the female flew high up and wasn't seen again. Still, at least I have seen in now and will definitely search for it again in the near future.

The Male

Amphicnemis gracilis, male perching in deep gloom... very happy to get this photo and was surprised how small it was