58. Trithemis festiva (Rambur, 1842)

No: 58 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Trithemis

Name: Trithemis festiva / Indigo Dropwing 

Habitat: Forested and Open Streams, Rivers and Even Ponds (Uplands & Lowlands)

Province(s): Widespread
In flight: Year-round / Sightings (by me): Very Common

Easily confused with: N/A

The third and final Trithemis species known in Thailand is Trithemis festiva. A very common dragonfly that you will see at many places around Thailand, especially at rivers. It loves to perch on large boulders on rivers and streams, though often found on twigs over streams too.

The Male

I have spotted the male on numerous occasions at rivers all over Thailand. It loves big boulders and rocks and is extremely common. It is east to spot with its pruinosed blue thorax and set of yellow 'triangle' marks on the abdomen.

The 'Young' Male

I have seem many males of this species, but when I recently visited Phu Kradeung National Park, I spotted this specimen. I presume it is a sub-adult male, but it is the only one I have ever seen. It was also about 300-400 metres away from any known water source. I'm pretty confident this is the correct ID.

The Female

Well, it has taken me seven years, but I have finally managed to capture a photo of the female. The males of this species are extremely common, but the females hardly ever show. They must be as common, just they hide away until they wish to copulate. I did spot an ovipositing female around four years ago, but the shot was terrible. This time I managed to capture it. I was extremely happy to see this.

Here is the very first female I saw (and very briefly)...

The 'Teneral' Female

This female had just emerged from a stream and quickly flew up to the treetops... this was the best shot I could get.

57. Trithemis aurora (Burmeister, 1839)

No: 57 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Trithemis

Name: Trithemis aurora / Crimson Dropwing 

Habitat: Exposed Ponds, Lakes to Forested Streams (Uplands & Lowlands)

Province(s): Widespread
In flight: Year-round / Sightings (by me): Very common

Easily confused with: N/A

A very common dragonfly yet beautiful in every way, is Trithemis aurora. There are three species of dragonfly in the Trithemis genus and I have seen all three. I've spotted this species at large lakes to pinprick-sized pools and from large fast-moving rivers to tiny trickles. They don't seem too fussy.

The Male

The adult male is really easy to spot and cannot be confused with any other species. With its vivid red/purple colour it really stands out. It also likes to perch on branches and twigs in the hot sunshine, often in the obelisk position (doing a kind of hand stand). 

You have to be quick to photograph them before their wings close.

In the hand ...

The 'Sub-adult' Male

I saw a sub-adult male for the first time in October 2010 at Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen. Before I saw this specimen, I had only seen teneral yellow specimens and fully mature adults. It really is at the 'in-between' stage.

The 'Teneral' Male

The young/teneral male is very similar to the female and begins life in yellow, which will turn bright red/purple in time.

This specimen has just emerged and is extremely soft. He hasn't even started to turn yellow yet. I think the slight colour/patternation at the base of the wings looks great in this photo.

This one is slightly older than the above (more yellow)

In the hand ...

The Female

The adult female is very similar to the young male, but has more black on the abdomen. They are as common as the males and co-habit very well.

The 'Teneral' Female

This little specimen I managed to catch with my fingers. She flew away unharmed afterwards. It shows her thoracic markings very well. It's very similar to the adult female, but lighter in colour and still has the typical 'teneral fresh' wings.

Teneral female in the hand...

I have seen this species all over Thailand and is a great dragonfly to photograph. If you visit any decent river or uplands pond, you are sure to see this species.

8. Trithemis pallidinervis (Kirby, 1889)

No: 8 / Family: Libellulidae / Genus: Trithemis

Name: Trithemis pallidinervis / Dancing Dropwing 

Habitat: Open ponds, marshes, lowlands and uplands
Province(s) sighted: Widespread 
In flight: July to December / Sightings (by me): Common 

Easily confused with: N/A

Trithemis pallidinervis is one of three Thrithemis species known in Thailand and I have now seen all three. T. pallidinervis is a very common winter species that loves sitting on small twigs and grasses in open areas, especially in the hot sun. I have seen many, many specimens right on the edge of water, as well as a good distance away from any known water.

The Male

The male varies in colour from yellow (below) to chocolate brown and is easily distinguished by its long legs and wings that point upwards. It also has yellow colouration to the base of the wings.

Hot chocolate...

This is a chocolate-coloured specimen. Younger or older? I think older.

This one is even browner.

This photo shows its distinctive purple nose on the same specimen as the one above, which looks really good.

The Female

The female is almost identical to the male, save the appendages.

T. pallidinervis is extremely common and I have seen it in many many places, from Khon Kaen to Chantaburi, though I assume it is widespread. It is especially common in the months of October-December, though could be seen at other times. It's a great dragonfly to photograph, not easily scared and is very happy to pose for you!