223: Libellago stigmatizans (Selys, 1859)

   Number: 223 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Libellago

Species: Libellago stigmatizans  / Orange-faced Gem

Province(s) sighted: Songkhla

Habitat: Lowland Forested and Shaded Streams

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

Species easily confused with: N/A

Well, I DID NOT expect to see this species possibly ever as it is very rare in Thailand and a southern species, so the chances were very low. But, Noppadon Makbun pulled out all the stops as he had seen this species once before at San Kala Khiri National Park which is just inside Songkhla province. There is a wide but shallow stream that runs through the park where I saw Libellago aurantiaca for the first time too. But along a small and heavily shaded stream, Noppadon was sure this is where he saw it... we walked it for a long time and eventually, out of nowhere a solidary male Libellago stigmatizans appeared turned up. Known as the Orange-faced Gem, it was absolutely stunning, just sitting on twigs, some of which were floating along. We both managed to get some OK shots of it, but eventually the light faded. The next day, we would another stretch of the stream and we quickly found one, then another, then another... three males appeared at a small opening. Annoyingly, as there there three of them, they were constantly battling for the best twig on the stream. May a female was about to appear, though we'll never know. Anyway, we managed to get great photos this time round though I did actually just lie down in the stream much to Noppadon's amusement... well worth it though! Many thanks to Noppadon for leading me to it!!!

The Male

Simply beautiful with its greenish blue thorax and orange to black abdomen with his wonderful orange face and black with a purplish sheen on the wing tips. Is there a more handsome species?

222: Libellago hyalina (Selys, 1859)

  Number: 222 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Libellago
Species: Libellago hyalina / Clearwing Gem
Province(s) sighted: Narathiwat, Yala
In flight: August / Sightings (by me): Locally common

Habitat: Lowland Forested Streams and Rivers

Species easily confused with: N/A

Well, after years of searching for Libellago hyalina, the Clearwing Gem at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum where it has been recorded but to no avail, I finally went to Sirindhorn Peat Swamp in Narathiwat where it was abundant. Though the day started very slowly, by the afternoon it was everywhere and there were three forms there! I managed to spot the red, the blue and the purple forms of male and the yellow and dark forms of the female (though I missed a photo). So, here they are... you could say i was a little happy!

The 'Purple' Male

This was the rarest form at the swamp but no less beautiful.

The 'Red' Male

This is the form that is supposed to be the most common and looks like this in Surat Thani where it is also known.

The 'Blue' Male

No idea why but this one was easily the most skittish form. This is the best photo I managed to get of him.

The Female

I thought the female was rather fetching too, especially this form (yellow), sadly I missed getting a decent photo of the dark female.

221: Libellago aurantiaca (Selys, 1859)

 Number: 221 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Libellago

Species: Libellago aurantiaca / Fiery Gem
Habitat: Lowland Forested Streams and Rivers
Province(s) sighted: Songkhla
In flight: August / Sightings (by me): Rare

Species easily confused with: N/A

One genus I absolutely adore is Libellago, though I had actually only seen one of the four known Thai species from the genus... until I went to the deep south and I saw all four on one trip! I was amazed to see them. The last one I saw was the very bright and cool-looking Libellago aurantiaca, commonly known as the Fiery Gem. It is a very small but wonderful and bright species with a glowing orange abdomen. Thankfully spotted by Noppadon Makbun, I had the chance to photograph the male. We saw two to three males along a stretch of forested shallow river at San Kala Khiri National Park in Songkhla province. I was so happy to see it, though I didn't see a female.

The Male

It boasts very bright orange abdomen and is simply stunning, though tough to photograph as he was so low down at water level... backbreaking but worth it!

30. Libellago lineata lineata (Burmeister, 1839)

No: 30 / Family: Chlorocyphidae / Genus: Libellago

Name: Libellago lineata lineata / Golden Gem 

Habitat: Forested and Tree-lined Streams and Rivers
Province(s): Widespread
In flight: Year-round / Sightings (by me): Common

Easily confused with: N/A

A common species of damselfly that I simply love is Libellago lineata lineata. I have seen this species often at the River Chi, Khon Kaen, as well as at a tiny stream in Chantaburi. It is a friendly species that is happy to pose for you. 

The Male

The fully adult male has black and yellow markings along the thorax and abdomen. It has more black when fully matured. It also has white markings on the legs. The biggest difference though, is that it develops black marks on the tops of the wings, that make it look really distinctive.

The sub-adult male

A young male is similar to the adult, but doesn't yet have the black markings on the wings and there is less black on the abdomen.

The Female

The female is similar to the sub-adult male, except the abdomen is much more robust. and the markings on the abdomen are slightly different.

The 'Young' Female

This is still a very young female, with its sparkling wings and dull eyes.

And here is a newly emerged specimen...

This species of damselfly is common all year throughout Thailand and can be spotted along canals, ponds and lakes, though its preferred home is along the banks of rivers. They seem particularly docile in the early morning and late afternoon - the best time to photograph them.