Pink Skimmer (Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum)

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

Marsh Dancer (Onychargia atrocyana)

An uncommon damselfly found in surrounding vegetation of paddy fields, tank edges etc. in wet zone lowlands and lower hills.

Dark-glittering Threadtail (Elattoneura centralis)

Locally common damselfly inhabiting forest streams and rivers from low country to mid-hills. 

Yellow Featherleg (Copera marginipes)

 Very common insect found in reeds and marshy vegetation of forest streams and ponds from lowlands to mid-hills. 

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)

Dancing Dropwing(Trithemis pallidinervis)

An uncommon dragonfly found in tanks, ponds and marshy areas of dry and wet zone lowlands.

Marsh Skimmer (Orthetrum luzonicum)

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

Aggressive Riverhawk (Onychothemis tonkinensis ceylanica)

“Though the type has come from Sri Lanka, there is no specimen in the Museum collection, nor have any of the usual authors reported on having seen any specimens from here” noted Terrence de Fonseka in 2000 (The Dragonflies of Sri Lanka WHT Publication). However Aggressive Riverhawk is a rare dragonfly of streams and rivers of lowland and mid-hill forest areas.  Above picture  of Aggressive Riverhawk was taken at the Kanneliya forest reserve while it was preying upon a Grey Pansy (Junonia atlites)

Spine-tufted Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysis)

Locally common dragonfly of streams and pools of sub montane areas.

Painted waxtail (Ceriagrion cerinorubellum)

Locally common damselfly of the low country wet zone. Found in weedy areas around paddy fields, streams and ponds.

Scarlet Basker (Urothemis signata signata)

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

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.

Black-tipped Flashwing (Vestalis apicalis nigrescens)

An endemic damselfly found near forest streams and rivers from lower hills to montane areas. It is common and often found together with Oriental Green-Wing and Shining Gossamerwing.

Green’s Gem (Libellago greeni)

Green’s Gem is a locally common endemic damselfly of low and mid hill forest streams and rivers.  

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. 

Jungle Threadtail (Elattoneura caesia)

An endemic and rare damselfly of mid elevations of the country, found along streams in primary rain forests .

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. 

Scalloped Spreadwing (Lestes praemorsus decipiens)

As their name implies Spreadwings can be easily distinguished from other damselflies by their habit of holding their wings wide open at rest. Scalloped spreadwing can be identified by its scalloped pattern on the thorax and very long, up curved anal appendage (insert). It is rather rare damselfly of edges of ponds, lakes and marshes in lowlands up to lower hills in both dry and wet zone.