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!

220: Indaeschna grubaueri (Förster, 1904)

 Number: 220 / Family: Aeschindae / Genus: Indaeschna
Species: Indaeschna grubaueri / Jungle Hawker
Habitat: Lowland forested streams
Province(s) sighted: Yala
In flight: August / Sightings (by me): 2 males
Species easily confused with: All Indaeschna species

One species I had desperately hoped to see as I had already seen two of the three species in the genus was Indaeschna grubaueri, commonly known as the Jungle Hawker. We had already been in the deep south for well over a week, starting in Narathiwat and then moving to Yala and I didn't get sight of it (though we could have spotted one earlier but was too hard to tell what it was). Fortunately, as we were driving along a small road from a stream, we saw a large dragonfly whiz from one tree to the next over a small pond. Here, I finally saw him and a second one! I was over the moon but it was quite high up and it took a long time to get decent shots. I am very happy with them in the end and could spend quite some time on it as Noppadon had already seen it before. It is known from the west of Thailand and down the peninsula, though I am not sure how common it is. Sadly, I only saw the male, but females are always much harder to find. 

The Male

Very similar to others in the genus, this guy is truly a beast with his amazing bright green stripes. I was so, so happy to see him and the species likes to perch on branches over ponds and possibly slow-moving streams.

Same male, slightly different angle

215: Indaeschna ornithocephala

Number: 215 / Family: Aeschnidae / Genus: Indaeschna

Species: Indaeschna ornithocephala / Beak-tailed Hawker

Habitat: Forested Ponds

Province(s) seen (by me): Petchabun, Nakhon Nayok

In flight: October / Sightings: Rare 

Species easily confused with: All Indaeschna Species

I recently visited Nam Nao NP in Petchabun for the first time in over two years. However, I have kind of done the main bits to death, as too has my brother Paul (for birds). Therefore, we decided to search a little deeper and try to find a few more areas. Though limited on where to visit at the park, there were numerous ponds and ditches along the 14 kms trail to the ranger station I hadn't visited before (I used to just drive quickly along the trail as it seemed to by dry and devoid of life all the way). Anyway, at one small pond that was part exposed to baking heat and the other part in shade, it looked like a typical pond and didn't seem to offer much. However, I suddenly noticed a large dragonfly fly out from the shaded area and into the bright sunshine where it was instantly attacked by several smaller dragonflies. Amazingly, it returned to the same shaded area and I was able to creep across the pond and get in some shots pretty easily, though I was hampered by the sun blasting through the trees making photograhpy difficult. Once I had got enough shots, I wasn't sure if it was a new species or not. It was likely to be Indaeschna erythromelas as I had once seen it at Phu Khieo, which is not too far away. Anyway, upon processing the photos I noticed that it had a blue head instead of green and some of the markings were slightly different, though I just put it all down to variation. Anyway, upon posting it on the Facebook dragonfly group, Noppadon Makbun thought it was actually a different species, Indaeschna ornithocephala, a species that had only been recorded from one location in Kanchanaburi back in 2000. Commonly known as the Beak-tailed Hawker, Noppadon's suspicion was confirmed by Wen-Chi Yeh. So, amazingly, it turns out to be a rather rare and special species indeed! I hope to return soon and search for the female as it looks so cool!

The Male

They don't come much more stunning than this. This species can be separated from the other two known in Thailand due to its blue head.

Now in hand (I literally picked it up)...

The Appendages

Rather interesting appendages, I think.

Many thanks to Noppadon Makbun for correcting my initial ID and Wen-Chi Yeh for the confirmation.

181: Gynacantha basiguttata Selys, 1882

Number: 181 / Family:  Aeschnidae / Genus: Gynacantha     

Species: Gynacantha basiguttata / Spoon-tailed Duskhawker   

Habitat: Forested ponds  

Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum  

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

Species easily confused with: Gynacantha saltatrix; Gynacantha bayadera

There are definitely several species of Gynacantha that reside in Phu Khieo WS, but they are incredibly difficult to locate. That's why I was really happy to spot three species in one day, one of which is a new species for my records in the shape of Gynacantha basiguttata. Known commonly known as the Spoon-tailed Duskhawker, it is a large species that I spooked out of his hiding place which was deep inside tall reeds overhanging a temporary pool. Incidentally, the other two species I saw were G. subinterrupta (a first for me here) and G. saltatrix (another first for the place). According to the records, G. bayadera is also present and Noppadon Makbun believes G. phaeomeria to be there also. Seeing all five species there would be amazing. Hopefully one day, especially if I keep trawling the little swampy ponds all the time. I have seen two males, so assume it is quite rare/hard to find.

The Male

The fully mature male is rather beautiful with a green head, a green-blue thorax and greenish markings along the abdomen. It is a large species and incredibly skittish, but the key to ID is the 'spoon-shaped' appendages which give it its common name.

179: Anax guttatus (Burmeister, 1839)

Number: 179  / Family: Aeschnidae / Genus: Anax    
Species: Anax guttatus / Pale-Spotted Emperor   
Habitat: Ponds and Lakes (Uplands and Lowlands)
Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Petchabun, Loei 
Sightings (by me): Uncommon
In flight (that I have seen): May-October    
Species easily confused with: All Anax Species

I was stood in the middle of a shallow pond, bitten to death by horse flies, mosquitoes and leeches. It was an overcast area of the small pond with light fading fast. Suddenly, a large Anax sp. appeared from nowhere and started whizzing around the little pond desperately in search of a mate. This was my chance to add another Anax species to my list. However, it had to be the worst place to do it - it was too dull and enclosed. Worse still, a second male appeared and a million aerial battles ensued. However, I noticed that at one end of the pond, the wind would whistle through causing this big guy to stop momentarily. I edged around to the other side of the pond and set myself up. Basically, I sat in the pond with leeches digging into my arse. Still, I was going to get it this time. As I waited and waited, then I noticed a Lestes sp. to my right. I know that L. dorothea also lives somewhere at PK and turned towards it to see. It was L. elatus (I think). As I turned back Anax guttatus was right there in front of me, hovering as I had predicted. Perfect. As I lifted my camera, the wind dropped and it was off.... aaaarrrrggghhh! Missed it again. And this time it seemed to disappear. I was about to stand up and pull the leeches off my body when it swooped back down to the edge of the other side of the pond. I waited again and the wind picked up. He stopped, though a little further out. But I got my shots in and I am extremely happy with them. I know you can get better shots of dragons in flight, but I don't care. I know how hard I worked to get these ... and I finally did it! I managed to capture a rare photo of a very common species. Well, it's actually not that common where I live, though I do see it now and then, and it isn't rarely photographed, though I always find it impossible. Now I just need to find it in better lighting. Until the next time...

The Male

A very majestic species that left me looking anything but... literally sitting in a pond trying to get the right angle as it kept stopping near me. 

The Female

I was fortunate enough to capture the oviposition of a female (laying eggs) while at Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei. She spent a good while on each stem before flying around and then working another stem. It was amazing to see!

Searching for decent submerged stems...

And here's another...

Those ripples are caused by her moving bit by bit down the stem.

178: Indaeschna erythromelas (McLachlan, 1896)

Number: 178 / Family: Aeschnidae / Genus: Indaeschna    

Species: Indaeschna erythromelas / Tiger Hawker    

Habitat: Forest Streams (and Ponds?)  

Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum

Sightings (by me): Rare 

In flight (that I have seen): April - November    

Species easily confused with: All Indaeschna Species

Another trip to Phu Khieo, but at completely the wrong time of year. November. Not really a time to expect to find new species. However, with lots of butterflies zipping around, I had half and eye on finding the elusive Libellago hyalina (a late-season species), which has evaded my camera since I started searching for it there a year ago. There was one report of it being recorded there, though this was quite a while ago and it may not even be there now, or is certainly very rare at least.  Searching the river at the lower reaches of Phu Khieo, I was happily snapping away at a few butterflies, as well as the odd ode. I was really happy to spot a Mortonagrion aborense copula for the first time and was amazed to finally scratch that seven-year itch in the shape of Thrithemis festiva, female. The males are super common, but until now I only had a fleeting glance of a female ovipositing (no chance of a photo). I continued searching and searching, but to no avail. Suddenly, from deep within the bushes I disturbed a large dragonfly which flew straight past me. I was gutted. I knew it was something special, but thought I had missed the chance. Amazingly, it returned and flew back under cover. I crept along on all fours desperately trying not to disturb it. Camera at the ready and my bag was snagged on a twig. I moved. The twig moved. The dragonfly moved ... it was off again. Aaarrrggghhh! Yet, within 30 seconds it was back again and I was still in position. I snapped away happily and managed to get some decent shots. Later in the day, I passed where it had been and amazingly, he was now right at the edge almost in direct sunlight, though he was spooked easily. When I returned home I did a little digging and it turns out to be Polycanthagyna erythromelas, easily one of the most handsome dragonflies I have seen. So, who says it is too late in the year? Over to next weekend ....

The Male

Stunning green head and lime green markings, this species is similar to others in the genus. All are beautiful and I get excited every time I see one!

The Female

For once, I think the female wins the day! How stunningly beautiful is this! What's more, it just landed at my feet and started ovipositing (laying eggs) into moss, which is why the photos are at a slightly awkward angle... this made my whole trip to Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei worth it!

It would fly momentarily looking for very moist moss to lay its eggs.

156: Heliaeschna uninervulata (Martin, 1909)

Number: 156 / Family: Aeschnidae / Genus: Heliaeschna

Species: Heliaeschna uninervulata / Lesser Forest Duskhawker*

Habitat: Tree-lined Lowland Ponds/Streams

Province(s) sighted: Khon Kaen, Sakhon Nakhon

In flight: May-December / Sightings (by me): Uncommon

Species easily confused with: N/A

*As there is no common name, I have based 'Lesser Forest' on the Thai name and raised 'Duskhawker' as a name for the genus Heliaeschna.

A quick trip to a few old haunts around Khon Kaen today yielded another new species ... and a cracking one at that. Along a fairly long canal-like pond, that was heavily tree-covered I noticed a dragonfly tucked deep into a dark alcove created by trees. I crept forward and thought at first that it was gynacantha subinterrupta, a commonly sighted species in Khon Kaen. However, as I approached gingerly, I noticed its caudal appendages were significantly different. I managed to get a few shots in before I stood on a twig and the noise was enough for it to fly deeper into the dark tree alcove ... amazingly, though, another male flew towards it and a brief battle ensued. The same male rested once more (the other fled) and I was able to get a few more photos in, though any slight movement ensured that the dragonfly moved too. I saw a few more specimens in the same area, but they were already in flight when I saw them (I scared them into flying). When I returned home, a little research on the Internet revealed that it was a male Heliaeschna uninervulata, which I have named the Lesser Forest Duskhawker. According to Noppadon Makbun, it's an uncommon species - and I'm pretty sure that it is a provincial record. Since writing this, I have seen both the male and the female and small number of times.

The Male
Similar to gynacantha subinterrupta, yet has siginficantly different caudal appendages. I think it really is a stunning species and one I hope to bump into again.

Here's how I first saw him (it was very dark, obviously flash was used).

The Female

I actually think that the female is much more beautiful than the male. This one I saw at Phu Wiang National Park in Khon Kaen.

The Male Appendages

Here is the perfect way to ID this species. It is almost leaf shaped and rather beautiful.

146: Gynacantha saltatrix (Martin, 1909)

Number: 146 / Family: Aeschnidae / Genus: Gynacantha

Species:  Gynacantha saltatrix / Little Dusk Hawker

Habitat: Heavily Tree-lined Ponds

Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani

In flight: July-November / Sightings (by me): Uncommon

Species Easily Confused with: All Gynacantha Species

I was busily teaching yesterday (03/07/12) when there was suddenly a commotion. One of my students had picked up a dead dragonfly and was scaring her friend. I looked at it from a distance and thought it was Gynacantha subinterrupta, as they are fairly common in Khon Kaen. Then I noticed the whitish section on the caudal appendages. I thought it could have been Gynacantha phaeomeria as I have seen this species once before, but in Loei province. I grabbed it from the kids before it was destroyed and then taught them about dragonflies for a while. When I looked closely I could see that it was a new species for me, even though it was headless. The claspers are much slimmer (not paddle-like) than both other Gynacantha species I have come across before. 

Since my initial ID of G. bayadera, I have been corrected by Mapor. He thinks it is Gynacantha saltatrix. And looking at www.iucnredlist.org it states about G. saltatrix: "It is a crepuscular species which frequents marshes and does not require forest." 

This would make sense as there isn't much in the way of forest in Khon Kaen city!
Since this time, I have found a new location where there seems to be a number of specimens present. 

The Male

The male looks like many others in the Gynacantha genus. However, its caudal appendages differ. Also, the markings along the abdomen are slightly different to those of Gynacantha subinterrupta.

This male I managed to capture with my fingers ... good way of showing his small size.

The Female

The female is very similar to the male.

Another younger female I saw outside my house recently.

G. saltatrix male appendages

... compared to G. subinterrupta (it's rather different) ...

The female appendages

Many, many thanks to Mapor for correcting my initial ID!

142: Gynacantha phaeomeria (Lieftinck, 1960)

Number: 142 / Family: Aeschnidae / Genus:  Gynacantha 

Species:  Gynacantha phaeomeria / Dark-thighed Dusthawker*

Habitat: Forested Areas Along Rivers

Province(s) sighted: Kalasin, Loei

Sightings: Rare / In flight (that I have seen): June-September

Species easily confused with: All Gynacantha species

*As it doesn't have a common name, I decided upon 'Dark-thighed' relating to 'phaeomeria' meaning 'dark' and one feature of dark thighs/legs, as well as Gynacantha species being known as 'Duskhawkers'.

It was a weekend of agony and ecstasy at Phu Rua National Park and environs. Heavy rain, heavy mist, bad judgement on locations and a lot of driving, nearly put paid to my weekend trip.

After a sleepless night, I set off from Khon Kaen at 1am and arrived in Phu Rua at around 5.30 am with a few stops here and there. After a few bad choices on ponds (maybe it was too early in the morning), I tried my luck at the national park. Closed. Upon asking a man with a dog, who said "It's closed in the rainy season", I drove to another waterfall called Namtok Pla Ba, not too far away. It was part of an enormous river and the water was belting through at an unbelievable pace. The waterfall was low down and inaccessible, as too was most of the river. Back on the road. I saw a small waterfall called Song Khon Waterfall close by and chanced my arm. It was a stream. Good. It was in good forested area and I started searching. My last 3 trips proved fruitless, in terms of new species. After 6 hours of searching, this too seemed to be the same with only common species showing. I did see a female Gomphidae, but as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared. I searched for another specimen, but it was all in vain. Right at the exit of the trail, I noticed a large Aeschnidae move under heavy tree canopy. I edged forward and managed to get a few good photos. It turns out that it IS a new species... Gynacantha phaeomeria. A rare specimen indeed and a new provincial record (I think). So everything is good in the world, once more! Since then, I was fortunate enough to spot a fully mature male at Phu Phan National Park in Kalasin, back in 2018.

The Male

The fully-coloured male is simply beautiful as is easily recognisable with its blue head, green thorax and dark abdomen. The other thing of note is the white part of the anal appendages.

 

The 'Young' male
Unlike the fully mature male, the juvenile male looks like many Gynacantha species at this stage and relies on the shape and colour of the appendages, in this case, the prominent white part.

Many, many thanks to Noppadon Makbun and Mapor for the ID and useful information/papers on the species. Your help is vital in my identification as I am useless!

So, all-in-all, it turned out to be a good trip. Next trip... Chayaphum, Nam Nao then Tak (hopefully).