217. Polycanthagyna ornithocephala (McLachlan, 1896)

Number: 217

Family: Aeschnidae

Species: Polycanthagyna ornithocephala

Common name: Beak-tailed Hawker

Synonyms: Aeshna ornithocephala McLachlan, 1896

Habitat: Forested pond

Provinces sighted: Nam Nao NP (Petchabun)

Sightings: Rare (solitary male)

In flight (that I have seen): October

Species easily confused with: Polycanthagyna erythromelas

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 Polycanthgyna 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, Polycanthagyna ornithocephala, a species that had only been recorded from one location in Kanchanaburi back in 2000. 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. 

 Slightly nicer shot from a different angle as I could eliminate the annoying sun.

The appendages

Rather interesting appendages, I think.

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

207. Macrogomphus parallelogramma albardae Selys, 1878

Number: 207

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Macrogomphus

Species: Macrogomphus parallelogramma albardae

Common name(s): N/A

Synonym(s): N/A 

Habitat: Lowland forested stream (shallow and sandy-bottomed)

Province(s) sighted: Below Hala below-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary (Narathiwat) 

Sightings (by me): 3-4 males

In flight (that I have seen): April    

Species easily confused with: Macrogomphus matsukii

My last 'new species' for my records from Narathiwat is a beauty. At a shallow and sandy-bottomed stream I instantly noticed a fairly large Gomphid. As I closed in, I knew it was a Macrgomphus species but it flew away before I got decent shots of it. I continued wading through the stream and noticed at least 2 other males. Both of these were far easier to approach and I managed to snap away, though one was clinging on to grass which made photography difficult. I also managed to get fairly decent shots of the appendages and, therefore, was able to get a solid ID when I returned back to base. It turns out to be Macrogomphus parallelogramma albardae a species that is known from the south of Thailand. I was really happy to see it and it is the second I have managed to find in the genus. Sadly, the female escaped my lens... until next time!

The male.

The Appendages.
The easiest way to separate most Gomphids! Always get close-ups if you can.

205. Megalogomphus sumatranus (Krüger, 1899)

Number: 205

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Megalogomphus

Species: Megalogomphus sumatranus

Common name(s): N/A

Synonym(s): Heterogomphus sumatranus Krüger, 1899; Heterogomphus unicolor, Martin, 1902

Habitat: Lowland exposed and sandy-bottomed forest stream

Province(s) sighted: Small sandy stream , Hala below-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary (Narathiwat) 

Sightings (by me): 1 male (fleeting glimpse)

In flight (that I have seen): April    

Species easily confused with: Megalogomphus icterops

 This species was a complete surprise... Wading through a shallow and sandy stream at the lower reaches of Hala-Bala, I came across a large green dragon basking in the late afternoon sunshine. I edged forward but armed with only a 180mm macro lens, I wasn't that confident I would get in a shot. However, before it literally flew very, very far away, I managed to get away one record shot good enough for an ID. It turns out to be Megalogomphus sumatranus (confirmed by Noppadon Makbun) which is known from the south of Thailand. Maybe not the best shot in the world, but sooooo happy to see such a beauty. I tried for a few hours to find again but to no avail. 

The male
Quite simply, this is one of the largest and most beautiful species I have ever seen!

194. Cratilla metallica (Brauer, 1878)

Number: 194  

Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Cratilla
Species: Cratilla metallica
Common name(s): Dark-tipped Forest-skimmer 

Synonyms: N/A    

Habitat: Temporary ditches in forested area 

Province(s) sighted: Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary and To Mo Community Forest (Narathiwat)

Sightings (by me): 2 males

In flight (that I have seen): April 

Species easily confused with: Cratilla lineata calverti

Well, I promised myself a trip to the south and I couldn't have got any further... Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary in Narathiwat was a super-cool place that houses a lot of great species and has the potential for a whole lot more. That said, I saw plenty, including one I have always wanted to see in Cratilla metallica. It is a brilliant species and lives and acts in a very similar way to its cousin, C. lineata, which I also saw there. However, I only managed to spot two males and sadly didn't get to see the female. C. metallica is found from Kanchanaburi south, though I am not sure how common it is. If you manage to hit the south, look for tiny ditches along trails in the forest. Hopefully, you will manage to spot one or two like I did guarding 'their' mud hole. 

The male

He is very easy to ID due to the distinct double blue bands across the abdomen and the black tips to the wings which give it its nickname. It also has a wonderful metallic green thorax (which obviously gives it its scientific name). 

Here, you can see his awesome green metallic thorax.

Hopefully, I will spot the female one day...

183. Gynacantha basiguttata Selys, 1882

Number: 183    

Family:  Aeschnidae 

Genus: Gynacantha     

Species: Gynacantha basiguttata

Common name(s):  Spoon-tailed Duskhawker   

Synonyms: N/A    

Habitat: Forested pond (temporary)  

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

Sightings (by me): Rare 

In flight (that I have seen): July   

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. It is a large species that I spooked out of his hiding place which was deep inside tall reeds overhanging a temporary pool. Unfortunately, he flew fairly high up into a tree and didn't hang around for long. For now, this record shot will have do. 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.

181. Anax guttatus (Burmeister, 1839)

Number: 181  
Family: Aeschnidae    
Genus: Anax    
Species: Anax guttatus 
Common name(s): Pale-Spotted Emperor   
Synonyms: N/A    
Habitat: Mid-upland small pond 
Province(s) sighted: Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (Chaiyaphum)  
Sightings (by me): Common (though photographing them is another story) 
In flight (that I have seen): May-October    
Species easily confused with: Anax indicus; Anax parthenope julius; Anax panybeus

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...

180. Polycanthagyna erythromelas (McLachlan, 1896)

Number: 180    

Family: Aeschnidae    

Genus: Polycanthagyna    

Species: Polycanthagyna erythromelas 

Common name(s): Tiger Hawker   

Synonyms: N/A    

Habitat: Lowland forest stream  

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

Sightings (by me): Rare 

In flight (that I have seen): November    

Species easily confused with: -

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 ....

172. Macrogomphus matsukii Asahina, 1986

Number: 172 

Family: Gomphidae 

Genus: Macrogomphus 

Species: Macrogomphus matsukii  

Common name(s):N/A

Synonyms: N/A  

Habitat: Uncertain (though believed to be lowland forest areas) 

Province(s) sighted: My school, Khon Kaen environs (Khon Kaen)

 Sightings (by me): Rare 

In flight (that I have seen): June  

Species easily confused with: TBC

Though it may not seem like it, I have been busy searching for new odonates for a while and it has been rather futile. Khon Kaen in still exceptionally dry, especially as we should be well and truly into the rainy season by now. Every trip (several to Phu Wiang, Nam Phong and once to Nam Nao) has yielded very little. To the point, every trip seems to turn into a butterfly trip instead (I do like photographing them too). Today, though, things changed for the better ... and I was actually sat at my desk at school. A work colleague came in and informed me that a large black and yellow dragonfly had crash-landed into a massive window in the school corridor. I dashed out thinking it would be Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops. Yet, no, it wasn't. I could see it was a new species straight away though wasn't entirely sure. I caught him with my fingers and later on I took photos of him, before releasing him again. By then, I was confident that it was Macrogomphus matsukii, a new species for Khon Kaen and another species for my record list. So, I am certainly a happy camper right now. Still, I can't help but wonder whether it was just passing through Khon Kaen as there isn't a stream, forest or even a pond for a good distance from school. Only he really knows ... unless I find a new place with several specimens one day. Watch this space. 

Resting just after release. I had to be quick as it was going dark and he flew away about 30 seconds later. 

Being photographed close up ...

... and his appendages close up.

Next trip: haven't decided ... but I hope he is the start of things to come ...

162. Sinictinogomphus clavatus phaleratus (Selys, 1854)

Number: 162

Family: Gomphidae

Genus: Sinictinogomphus

Species: Sinictinogomphus clavatus phaleratus

Common name(s): Golden Flangetail

Synonyms: Ictinogomphus clavatus phaleratus (Selys, 1854)

Habitat: Lowland, disturbed pond

Province(s) sighted: Nam Pong National Park; Phu Kao - Phu Phan Kham National Park (Khon Kaen); 

Sightings (by me): Uncommon

In flight (that I have seen): March-June

Species easily confused with: Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops

A new season and a new species to brag about already and I now make it 71 species for Khon Kaen province! Sinictinogomphus clavatus phaleratus is an enormous Gomphidae that can easily be confused with I. decoratus. Unfortunately, the latter is easy to approach and this species isn't. I managed to only get a few record shots of both male and female this species and will return to Nam Pong very soon, as it may not be around for that long. This species was once recorded in Khon Kaen province, during August. Therefore, I may have ample time to find it again.

The male

The male is easily recognised with its enormous 'club-shaped' appendages, as well as it's thoracic markings. However, should you spot one, approach with caution. It will fly away at the slightest movement. I actually think the sound of my camera going off was enough to spook it.

The female

The female is similar to the male, yet seems to have more prominent thoracic markings. It, too, is easily spooked and tends to perch on ridiculously high twigs up in the tree canopy. Still, I am happy to have seen both male and female, though I must improve my shots.

(Since I posted this, I managed to capture photos of an ovipositing female)

She would literally 'slap' her appendages into the water in order to release the eggs.

All the while, the male was close by ...

158. Heliaeschna uninervulata (Martin, 1909)

Number: 158

Family: Aeschnidae

Genus: Heliaeschna

Species: Heliaeschna uninervulata

Common name(s): N/A

Synonyms: N/A

Habitat: Heavily tree-lined lowland ponds

Province(s) sighted: Khon Kaen environs

Sightings (by me): Rare

In flight (that I have seen): RMay-June (2013)

Species easily confused with: N/A

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. According to Noppadon Makbun, it's an uncommon species - and I'm pretty sure that it is a provincial record.

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)

Close-up ...

Here, he had settled again

And here's another one I saw a little later on in the day

The unique caudal appendages (though from the wrong side) - look at how beautiful the shape is ... almost like leaves.