Yerbury’s Elf (Tetrathemis yerburyii)

A very rare endemic dragonfly of small size inhabits ponds and stagnant pools along streams of mid-hill rainforests. Museum specimens were so far collected from Hanguranketha, Hatton and Kandy (The dragonflies of Sri Lanka – Terrence the Fonseka). Therefore de Fonseka has noted that it is confined to the submontane areas of the island. However above picture was taken at the Horagolla national park (7° 8'29.44"N,  80° 5'2.83"E) a lowland rain forest patch of about 33acres in Gampaha district 170 ft a.s.l.

Oriental Scarlet (Crocothemis servilia servilia)

Very common dragonfly of tanks, ponds, paddy fields and marshes from low country to mid-hills. 

Variegated Flutterer (Rhyothemis variegata variegata)

Very common dragonfly found throughout the year usually as large groups near weedy tanks, streams, paddy fields and marsh areas of  low country. 

Pied parasol (Neurothemis tullia tullia)

Probably the most common dragonfly of the country found in rice fields, streams, river banks, marshes, tanks, lagoons etc. from lowlands to mid-hills. 

Indian Rockdweller ( Bradinopyga germinate )

Rare dragonfly with well camouflaged coloration in its usual habitats such as granite rocks and cemented ponds.

Foggy-winged Twister ( Tholymis tillarga )

Common crepuscular dragonfly of shrub lands, usually close to water bodies such as tanks, lagoons, channels, marshes and streams from lowland plains to lower montane regions.  

Pruinosed Bloodtail (Lathrecista asiatica asiatica)

A dragonfly of lowlands and mid hills. Often found in coastal areas. Uncommon. Females are similar to males (Shown above) but have yellowish green strips on mid dorsal area of the body. 

Elusive Adjutant (Aethriamanta brevipennis)

Uncommon dragonfly. De  Fonseka (The Dragonflies of Sri Lanka – 2000 ) mentioned that “it is unrepresented in the Museum collection and has not been recorded from here since first mentioned by Selys in 1897”. Fraser says that it is very local and rare. It is also said that it breeds in small weedy tanks surrounded by forest. However I have observed it in fair numbers during most of the months of the year at Anavilundhawa sanctuary -a  wet land Ramsar site in North-Western province - and also once at Girithale tank of Polonnaruwa district. 

Spine – Legged Redbolt (Rhodothemis rufa)

Brilliant scarlet red abdomen and thorax with no black markings of the male is the key to identify this insect from similar other dragonflies (Such as Scarlet basker). Sub adult males and females have a light yellowish mid dorsal stripe on segment 1 to 4. It is an uncommon dragonfly of lowland plains and breeds in weedy tanks, ponds, streams and channels while females hiding in surrounding jungle.

Crimson Dropwing (Trithemis aurora)

                  A common dragonfly of lowlands to submontane mid-hills. Prefer slow moving streams and channels to breeding rather than tanks and ponds. But adult males are not uncommon in weedy tank edges and river banks. Females and juvenile males resort to the surrounding jungles away from water bodies.

Asian Groundling (Brachythemis contaminate)

Very common dragonfly of slow flowing streams, weedy tank edges and marshes from the sea level to mid-hills. Abdomen – 19-20mm and Wings – 22-23mm. Female is lighter in color and much yellowish with clear wings contrary to male figured above.

Asian Skimmer (Orthetrum glaucum)

Common dragonfly of hill country streams, ponds and marshes, not usually found in the plains. Characteristic dark face help to distinguish this dragonfly from similar other Skimmers. Abdomen about 32mm and hind wing 36mm.

Green Skimmer (Orthetrum sabina)

Very common insect of plains and submontane regions of the country. Usually encountered in weedy edges of tanks, irrigation channels, paddy fields and perennial and seasonal ponds where it breeds. Both male and female are similar in shape and color. The extraordinary swollen abdomen of this dragonfly is remarkable and a useful identification feature of it.

Asian Pintail(Acisoma panorpoides)

Asian Pintail is a very small dragonfly of lowland plains up to lower hills. It has a very weak and short flight and hence keeps close to vegetation around heavily weeded water bodies such as tanks, marshes etc. and breed on them without moving far away. It is about 15-18mm of body size (Abdomen) and wing span of 16-22mm. Juvenile female is pale ochreous and which is replaced by azure blue of both sexes of adults.