251: Anax nigrofasciatus nigrolineatus Fraser, 1935

   Number: 251 / Family: Aeschnidae / Genus: Anax

Species: Anax nigrofasciatus nigrolineatus / Blue-spotted Emperor

Province(s) sighted: Chiang Mai

Habitat: Forested Ponds

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

Species easily confused with: All Anax Species

On a trip to Chiang Mai with Noppadon Makbun back in 2024 turned out to be a great trip. And one species that hadn't even crossed my mind made an appearance. However, at an uplands pond on a rather dull day an Anax came out to play zooming around very quickly around the edges of the pond. Noppadon pointed out quickly that it was Anax nigrofasciatus nigrolineatus as it is the only one that shows in the area. Excited, I put on the 400mm lens and did my best to get a shot but they turned out to be terrible! That said, you can tell it is that species (very pale and small spots). But I must return one day in the future to chance my arm again and maybe on a slightly sunnier day when it may stay out longer.

The Male

Very typical Anax appearance but has small pale spots along the abdomen. Shame about the minging photo!

Many thanks to Noppadon for pointing out this species! Apologies once more for the terrible photo!