155: Gomphidia abbotti abbotti (Williamson, 1907)

Number: 155 / Family: Gomphidae / Genus:  Gomphidia

Species: Gomphidia abbotti abbotti / Abbott's Spotted Tiger

Habitat: Slow-moving Uplands Streams

Province(s) sighted: Chiang Mai, Nakhorn Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum province, Khao Soi Dao, Chantaburi

Sightings (by me): Uncommon

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

Species easily confused with: Gomphidinctnus perakensis; Gomphidia kruegeri kruegeri; Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops; Ictinogomphus rapax

*As there is no common name, I have decided upon 'Spotted Tiger' as the genus based on the Thai name and 'Abbott' for obvious reasons, so Abbott's Spotted Tiger.

Sitting at home in my underpants and the new species keep on coming! Almost 3 years ago, I went on a dragonfly hunt around Chiang Mai for 2 months. Unfortunately, I was a complete novice, with Noppadon Makbun being my only aide. Now I am far better at IDing species and thought I would look back at my old shots from field trips of yesteryear. Eventually a new species popped up in the shape of Gomphidia abbotti abbotti. I only managed to take one record shot (I probably thought it was  Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops back then). Anyway, it's still a new species and another off my checklist ... roll on 200 species. Moral of the story ... keep all your photos and check through them from time to time. Just found an old photo of a male of this species from my old shots at Khao Yai ... unfortunately it's a rubbish shot and not worth showing. Since then, I have seen this species a few more times. However, it is extremely difficult to get near and flies away at the slightest movement. Since then, I have seen the species a few times but it certainly is not common.

The Male

The male likes to perch over slow-moving rivers and cam be identified from others due to its unique markings on the thorax. It has what look like 4 teardrops. 

Not the best shot, but you can see the four spots clearly.

147: Gomphidia kruegeri kruegeri (Martin, 1904)

Number: 147 / Family: Gomphidae / Genus: Gomphidia

Species: Gomphidia kruegeri kruegeri / Kruger’s Spotted Tiger*

Habitat: Small Openings in Forested Streams

Province(s) sighted: Chaiyaphum, Petchabun, Bueng Khan

Sightings (by me): Uncommon

In flight (that I have seen): June
Species easily confused with: Gomphidia abbotti abbotti; Gomphidictinus perakensis; Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops; Ictinogomphus rapax

*As there is no common name, I have decided upon 'Spotted Tiger' as the genus name after the Thai name and Kruger for obvious reasons, so Kruger's Spotted Tiger.

Thank you, Mapor!!! I initially thought this was a slightly older Gomphidictinus perakensis, as it has slightly  different thoracic markings. However, Mapor thinks that this specimen is, in fact, Gomphidia kruegeri kruegeri.  I'm so glad that he noticed this as it has made it 3 new species in 4 days! It is very similar to G. perakensis, however, the thoracic marks are different. With this species the antehumeral stripe is a 'boomerang' shape and solid, whereas on G. perakensis (see entry), it is broken at the top. Also, the yellow dorsal marks on the thorax are simple to compared to the 'messy' marks on G. perakensis. Since them I have seen this species a number of times, though it is easy to misidentify it. 

The Male

This specimen was perched low down to the stream, and large in size. As mentioned, this species seems to differ from G. perakensis, due to it differing thoracic markings. The caudal appendages are almost identical, but seem slightly longer. Also, unlike G. perakensis, G. kruegeri kruegeri will fly away if approached and seemingly not return. However, this is based on one specimen.

Here is another male at Nam Nao Natinal Park that was grounded due to rain... until it just 'went for it' and bombed it off into the trees.

Male appendages ...

though its the thoracic markings that easily distinguish this species from other similar looking species.

The Female

Here is my only shot of the female... one shot, gone! Though check out those eggs!!!

Many, many thanks to Mapor for pointing out my errors AND for giving me another species!!!