Showing posts with label Libellulidae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Libellulidae. Show all posts

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

 Rather rare insect confined to the marshes, swamps and lakes of the central hills (Mainly to the vicinity of Nuwaraeliya and Horton Plains National Park.) 

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Triangle Skimmer (Orthetrum triangulare triangulare)

Rather rare dragonfly found in marshes, streams and pools of the higher elevations in the Knuckles range and Central hills. Isolated records also available from Nakiyadeniya, Hiyare and Kanneliya.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Black-tipped Percher (Diplacodes nebulosa)

Rather uncommon dragonfly usually found perch on grasses or sticks in wet lowland areas such as marshes, ponds, tanks and nearby vegetation, in all climatic zones.  It occurs all the year round though much common during May and June. As per Bedjanic M, et. al., 2014 the lack of recent records of this dragonfly in the north and east is probably due to less intensive field works in that part of the island, though there are some old records from those areas as well. This individual was photographed at Batticaloa of eastern province in a lawn close to the old Dutch fort on 8th August 2016 confirming its inhabitancy in the eastern part of the country. 

Friday, April 29, 2016

Sri Lankan Cascader (Zygonyx iris ceylonicus)

An endemic dragonfly rather common at mid elevations of the southwestern wet zone. Also occurs in the intermediate zone, but absent in the coastal areas and higher hills. Fast flowing water near waterfalls and cascades are the preferred habitats of this rather large size cascader. It can be seen gliding continuously over the water with swift turns in such habitats. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Sapphire Fluterer (Rhyothemis triangularis)

Rather rare dragonfly found in marshes, ditches, tanks and slow moving rivers, mainly in the low country wet zone. But there are records also from drier parts of the island. 

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Sombre Lieutenant (Brachydiplax sobrina)

Rather common dragonfly inhabiting weedy ponds, tanks, channels, lagoons and marshes mainly in the lowlands throughout the year. 

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Blue Pursuer (Potamarcha congener)

Blue Pursuer is a locally common dragonfly found in small weedy ponds and marshes from lowlands to mid-hills. 



Sunday, September 29, 2013

Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens)

Very common insect inhabiting marshes, paddy fields, tanks etc. from lowlands to mid-hills. It usually emerges as large numbers when they do. Unlike most other dragonflies migratory habit has been observed among Wandering Gliders and high flying groups of them often seen away from water. 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Blue Percher (Diplacodes trivialis)


A very common dragonfly of the lowlands up to mid hills. It inhabits rice fields, weedy tanks, streams beaches and footpaths, often far from the water unlike most other dragonflies. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Paddyfield Parasol (Neurothemis intermedia intermedia)


An uncommon dragonfly found in lowland forested areas, paddy fields, plantations and vicinity of tanks in the dry zone (bedjanic, M., K. Conniff & G. de Silva Wijeyeratne, 2007). Rare in the hills. 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Amber-winged Glider (Hydrobasileus croceus)


A very rare dragonfly recorded only once in Sri Lanka from the Kandy according to the Terrence de Fonseka (de Fonseka T., 2000). However 2012 National red list listed it under Near Threatened category probably due to records of more occurrences of it in the island than previously thought. Both sexes are similar and it can be easily identified by the amber color patch on the hind-wing. It is said that it breeds on weedy tanks and where males can be found waiting for females( de Fonseka T., 2000 quoting Fraser )I have encountered two specimens on 16th February 2013 close to the Kalu River at Dombagaskandha forest reserve in Ingiriya. First one was flying about 2-3 m above the ground (Time - Around 1PM) close to a tributary of Kalu River. Second one was resting on a road side shrub during the evening (Time - Around 4 PM). 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Pink Skimmer (Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum)


Very common dragonfly found in weedy tanks, marsh lands, paddy fields and streams from lowlands to the hills. 

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Pale-faced Forest-Skimmer (Cratilla lineata calverti)

Pale-faced Forest-Skimmer was described by Fraser as a very common insect on the West Coast of India, but records here in Sri Lanka are only from Kandy (deFonseka T. 2000). However it is a rare forest dwelling dragonfly not only in Kandy but several other forested areas. It breeds in marshes in heavy jungles. (bedjanic, M et al 2007)


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Marsh Skimmer (Orthetrum luzonicum)

Common in marshes and swampy areas from lowlands to the central hills while widely distributed in montane and submontane areas. 

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Scarlet Basker (Urothemis signata signata)

Common dragonfly from lowlands to lower hills. Found in weedy tanks, paddy fields, streams and marsh lands.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Indigo Dropwing (Trithemis festiva)


Common dragonfly of ponds, streams and rivers from lowland plains to montane areas. It is usually found close to the water and can be seen settling on mid-stream rocks or overhanging twigs.