191. Archibasis viola Lieftinck, 1948

Number: 191  

Family: Coenagrionidae

Genus: Archibasis

Species: Archibasis viola

Common name(s): Violet Sprite  

Synonyms: N/A    

Habitat: Mid-range forested ditch   

Province(s) sighted: Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (Chaiyaphum)

Sightings (by me): Rare (2-3 males) 

In flight (that I have seen): July   

Species easily confused with: Archibasis oscillans 

A few weeks back, a birder called Andrew Pierce I knew, decided to take a trip to Phu Khieo on a dragon trip. He saw several of the rare gems that haunt PK but was light on one or two. However, he also saw another species that he couldn't work out what it was and posted on Facebook (Dragonflies of Thailand). The majority of feedback suggested it was Archibasis sp. but the lighting and angle of the shot made it difficult to be sure which species. When I saw the photo I was amazed and, in all honesty, it kick-started my dragonfly season. Not that I hadn't wanted to get out there, but I have been so busy working and the weather has been awful so it has been all too easy to kind of turn a blind eye to the hunt. Anyway, he asked if I wanted to return and so we did the following Saturday, along with my brother, Paul. I have been to almost every ditch, pond, stream and lake there... but I had never come across Archibasis. We eventually landed on the small heavily tree-lined and dull-looking pond that was situated very close to a stream. Amazingly, it was already there. There were 2-3 males but were extremely skittish at first. As they settled, I managed to get in a few decent shots and Andy also improved on his own shots. It was clear that it was Archibasis viola, though it did take a little more research later on in order to be 100% confident as it is primarily known as a southern species in Thailand stretching only as far north as Chantaburi. The pond itself looked almost like any other pond I had visited, though this one wasn't on my radar as it looked devoid of life... not anymore!

What is also interesting is the fact that this is the rarer of the two species likely to be found in Thailand away from the south and A. oscillans (being the other) has been reported from Nakhon Nayok, but seems to prefer streams to marshy pools so there is every chance I may find this species too at Phu Khieo. Anyway, I need to return to find the female... watch this space. 

 

For the record, I would just like to thank Andy Pierce for guiding me to this species as it would probably have taken me many more trips before I fell upon it (if ever). Thanks, matey!

89. Rhinocypha biforata biforata (Selys, 1859)

Number: 89

Family: Chlorocyphidae

Genus:  Rhinocypha

Species: Rhinocypha biforata biforata

Common name(s): N/A

Habitat: Forested streams (uplands & lowlands)
Province(s) sighted: Nam Nao NP/environs (Petchabun);  Phu Rua NP/environs (Loei); Widespread (Chiang Mai); Widespread (Chiang Rai); Khao Yai (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Khao Soi Dao (Chantaburi); Kanchanaburi environs (Kanchanaburi); Koh Chang (Trat), Chaiyaphum environs (Chaiyaphum).
Sightings (by me): Common and widespread
In flight (that I have seen): All year

A lovely little damselfly that I see often at streams and rivers, is Rhinocypha biforata biforata. I used to really struggle to get close to it to take good photos, but the last trip I went on, to Chantaburi, I managed to get some decent photos of the male. They love to sit on the rocks in the hot afternoon sun right in the middle of the river.

The male

The male is easy to identify because of its colours/markings on the thorax and abdomen. 

Teneral male

This teneral male really highlights the vivid blue/pink markings on its wings.

The female

The female is also difficult to get close to, and takes a lot of stealthy movement.

The mature female has blue markings like this...

And the younger female, which has more yellow markings, is more commonly seen.

Close-up of the young female

Rhinocypha biforata biforata is a widespread species and can be seen all year round at rivers and streams.

88. Rhinocypha iridea iridea (Selys, 1891)

Number: 88

Family: Chlorocyphidae

Genus:  Rhinocypha

Species: Rhinocypha iridea iridea

Common name(s): N/A

Thai name(s): แมลงปอเข็มน้ำตกสั้นผู้ขีด, แมลงปอเข็มหางโป่งแถบฟ้า

Habitat: Upland streams

Province(s) sighted: Small stream, Doi Inthanon (Chiang Mai).

Sightings (by me): Very rare

In flight (that I have seen): April (Longer, I'm sure)

Another uncommon montane species I was lucky enough to spot when I visited Doi Inthanonon, Chiang Mai, was Rhinocypha iridea iridea. It was sitting on a branch that streched out across the river and was happily soaking up the afternoon sun.

The male

The markings on the abdomen make it easy to identify. This was the only male that I saw in the whole time I was in Chiang Mai.

The female ???

This female was the only other specimen anywhere near the male above. It was perched on a branch very close by and they often came into contact with one another before the returned back to their exact places. I haven't seen any photos of the female and can only assume that this is it. Also, being at around 1400-1500 metres up, I'm not sure other species of the genus, go that high. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know.

31. Rhinocypha fenestrella (Rambur, 1842)

Number: 31

Family: Chlorocyphidae

Genus: Rhinocypha

Species: Rhinocypha fenestrella
Common name(s): Peacock Jewel
Thai name(s): แมลงปอเข็มน้ำตกสั้นผู้ดำ, แมลงปอเข็มก้นสั้นปีกเหลือบม่วง
Habitat: Forested upland streams and rivers
Province(s) sighted: Nam Nao NP (Petchabun);  Phu Kradueng NP, Phu Rua NP/environs (Loei); Widespread (Chiang Mai); Khao Yai (Nakhorn Ratchasima); Khao Soi Dao (Chantaburi).
Sightings (by me): Fairly common
In flight: All year

Another widespread river-dwelling damselfly that is simply divine, is Rhinocypha fenestrella fenestrella. I have seen this species at several rivers and streams throughout Thailand and it loves sunny areas, where there are lots of boulders in the river. 

The male

The male is simply beautiful. Once it is fully mature, it has lots of metallic colouration to its wings. Sometimes, a green tinge when younger which goes more of a blue/purple as it matures. They really are beautiful to look at. Not surprising, really, that its nickname is Peacock Jewel.

A male in the blazing sunshine

A younger male (with greenish colouration)

The female

The female is far less interesting to look at and is dull in comparison. The females are often confused with other similar species, but I think the markings on the female are quite distinct. Also, the wings are brown in colour.

You can find this species throughout the country all year at upland and some lowland rivers. Look for big boulders and rocky areas where the sun is bursting through the tree canopy. You're sure to find them there.