235: Risiophlebia dohrni (Krüger, 1902)

           Number: 235 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Risiophlebia

Species: Risiophlebia dohrni / Potbellied Elf

Province(s) sighted: Narathiwat

Habitat: Shady Swampy Forest

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

Species easily confused with: Risiophlebia guentheri

Back in 2018, I saw the amazing Risioplebia guentheri in Chantaburi, thanks to Noppadon Makbun's earlier finding of it. And it was such an amazing and unique species. I couldn't get over how small it was, and it's arced and bulbous abdomen. I was so excited to see such an incredible species. Roll on seven years and, while at another heavily shaded swampy area in Narathiwat province, Noppadon shouted me over once more... he had found the other known species in the genus for Thailand.... Risioplebia dohrni, commonly known as the Potbellied Elf. I was so happy to see it but had forgotten just how small it was. Worse still, it preferred to sit really low down near the ground making photography very difficult. Noppadon has already seen this species so he went off in search of others leaving me to fire away. Once I returned I wasn't overly happy with the shot but it was just such a difficult angle. 

The Male

Check out that bulbous section of its abdomen followed by an amazing arc. Such a cool little species, but so small that it is difficult to find and photograph.