221: Elattoneura aurantiaca (Selys, 1886)

 Number 221 / Family: Platycnemididae / Genus: Elattoneura
Species: Elattoneura aurantiaca / Red-breasted Threadtail*
Habitat: Lowland Forested Peat Swamp
Province(s) sighted: Narathiwat
In flight: August / Sighting (by me): Locally common at one location
Species easily confused with: N/A

*Common name made up to match Threadtails

One species I expected to see at Sirindhorn Peat Swamp in Narathiwat was Elattoneura aurantiaca, which I have named the Red-breasted Threadtail as it has no common name but the genus is known as threadtails. It seems that everyone who visits there sees it... but for the first hour we didn't see any! It was very frustrating. However, as the day progressed, they started to appear though not in large numbers like all species found there. Ultimately, Noppadon and I were very happy to see both male, young and mature, a copula and a female, though difficult to photograph as they are small in size. 

The Male
The male is quite simply stunning with his red thorax and even brighter red eyes but a bugger to get good shots!

The 'Young' Male

Prior to the full red colour, the male is a nice greenish colour which I also think is very cool looking!

The 'Copula'

I was very happy indeed to manage to capture a 'wheel' or copula. Check out the female's bright blue eyes! 

The Female

Not the best shot in the world (it was late in the day and it was at a very awkward angle. But good enough for now.