225: Libellago stigmatizans (Selys, 1859)

   Number: 225 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Libellago

Species: Libellago stigmatizans  / Orange-faced Gem

Province(s) sighted: Songkhla

Habitat: Lowland Forested and Shaded Streams

In flight: August / Sightings (by me): Rare

Species easily confused with: N/A

Well, I DID NOT expect to see this species possibly ever as it is very rare in Thailand and a southern species, so the chances were very low. But, Noppadon Makbun pulled out all the stops as he had seen this species once before at San Kala Khiri National Park which is just inside Songkhla province. There is a wide but shallow stream that runs through the park where I saw Libellago aurantiaca for the first time too. But along a small and heavily shaded stream, Noppadon was sure this is where he saw it... we walked it for a long time and eventually, out of nowhere a solidary male Libellago stigmatizans appeared turned up. Known as the Orange-faced Gem, it was absolutely stunning, just sitting on twigs, some of which were floating along. We both managed to get some OK shots of it, but eventually the light faded. The next day, we would another stretch of the stream and we quickly found one, then another, then another... three males appeared at a small opening. Annoyingly, as there there three of them, they were constantly battling for the best twig on the stream. May a female was about to appear, though we'll never know. Anyway, we managed to get great photos this time round though I did actually just lie down in the stream much to Noppadon's amusement... well worth it though! Many thanks to Noppadon for leading me to it!!!

The Male

Simply beautiful with its greenish blue thorax and orange to black abdomen with his wonderful orange face and black with a purplish sheen on the wing tips. Is there a more handsome species?