The genus Apis contains nine species. The natural range of the genus extends from northern Africa and southern Europe through the middle east to eastern Asia and South east Asia. The most well known species is the European honeybee which is now distributed throughout the temperate world where it is so integrated into western style agricultural economies that removal would be devastating. Its South east Asian cousin Apis cerana extends from southeastern Asia, including China, Pakistan, India, Korea, Japan, Malaysia to eastern Indonesia. It has eight subspecies. Feral populations have established in New Guinea and Queensland Australia. They also carry the Veroa mite (among others) which can cause hive death in European honeybees and is deemed an important economic threat
Asian Honey Apibee Apis cerana F (with mites) Sengiggi Lombok Island BL 14.2mm Oct
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian waspsSouth east Asian ApidaeAsian Honeybee with mitesApis cerana with mitesAsiastic honeybeeeastern honeybee
Primitive female members of the Pompilid family simply sting their spider prey and either fly off with them or drag them away to their nests if they are large. Modern members have evolved the habit of amputating the paralysed spider's legs increasing the portability and saving energy during transport. This metallic Indonesian Auplopus species belongs in the the latter group
Auplopus sp. TBC Ekas Bay (east) Lombok Island BL 13.5mm
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian waspsSouth east Asian PompilidaeAuplopus sp. TBCPompilid waspLombok Island waspIndonesian spider wasp
When Alfred Russell Wallace arrived from Bali Island on a steep beach in western Lombok Island he saw a strange looking bird he had never seen before other than in a book illustration on Australian Birds. The bird was a helmeted friarbird, a member of the honeyeater family. He soon saw more evidence of changes in flora and fauna as he explored the island. When I and my family visited the island 157 years later we also stayed on the western side where I encountered a wingless female wasp in the hotel garden and thought I was in a bush garden in the outer suburbs of my city of Perth Western Australia. Like the honeyeater family the Mutillidae wasp genus Ephutomorpha has its centre of biodiversity in Australia
Ephutomorpha sp. TBC F Sengiggi Lombok Island Indonesia BL 13.6mm Oct
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian waspsSouth east Asian MutillidaeEphutomorpha sp. TBC FemaleIndonesia MutillidaeLombok Island velvet antIndonesia velvet ant
The Giant Forest Ant Dinomyrmex gigas borneensis (soldier)
Dinomyrmex gigas borneensis (soldier) Tawau Hills National Park Sabah Malaysia BL to 28.0mm
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian antsSouth east Asian FormicidaeCamponotus gigas borneensis synonymDinomyrmex gigas borneensisSabah Giant Forest AntMalaysia Giant Forest AntIndonesia Giant Forest Ant BorneoThailand Giant Forest Ant
These two Snapjaw (or Trapjaw) ants exchange chemical messages regarding food sources via their antennal pores. In addition, these ants have among the largest eyes of any ant genus. Presumably they require excellent binocular precision to catch their small spring-loaded prey. They generally forage on the ground for small insect-like arthropods known as springtails. Ironically both employ 'triggers' for different purposes. The springtail prey uses the modified tip of it's rear end to rapidly propel themselves from approaching predators and other threats, whereas the specialised jaws give the ant predator half a millisecond of a chance to effect a capture
Myrmoteras arcoelinae TBC Mesilau Mt. Kinabalu National Park Sabah Malaysia BL to 7.0mm
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian antsSouth east Asian FormicidaeMyrmoteras arcoelinaeFormicidaeMt. Kinabalu antsSabah antsMalaysia antsSnapjaw antTrapjaw ant
Dinomyrmex gigas gigas (worker)
Dinomyrmex gigas gigas (worker) Singapore BL to 22.0mm
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian antsSouth east Asian FormicidaeCamponotus gigas synonymDinomyrmex gigas workerMalaysia Giant Forest AntIndonesia Giant Forest Ant BorneoThailand Giant Forest Ant
Oecophylla smaragdina (workers) protecting arboreal nest. This species extends from India and the Himalayas south east to Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, the Philippines then further south and east to Indonesia, New Guinea and northern Australia
Oecophylla smaragdina gracilior Bali Indonesia BL to 6.0mm (workers) at nest
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian antsSouth east Asian FormicidaeOecophylla smaragdina graciliorBali weaver antIndonesia weaver antweaver ant nestThailand weaver antVietnam weaver antPhilippines weaver antMalaysia weaver antNew Guinea weaver antBorneo weaver ant
The paper nest wasp family contains the world's heaviest wasp (Giant Hornet) that is also a member of the genus Vespa. Vespa analis is one of the most widespread and variable hornets occurring from temperate eastern Asia to South East Asia, extending further south east through Indonesia into the lesser Sunda Islands
Vespa analis Sengiggi Lombok Island BL 26.3mm Oct
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian waspsSouth east Asian VespidaeVespa analisLombok hornetLombok waspYellow vented hornetIndonesia hornetMalaysia hornet
Insects are the major animal population controllers of spiders, whether they sit in webs, in holes in the ground or wood, and under and on bark. Wasps of the family Pompillidae are the most well known of the spider-hunting wasps and include some of the world's largest wasps like the tarantula hawks from the Americas. Primitive female members of the family simply sting their spider prey and either fly off with them or drag them away to their nests if they are large. Modern members have evolved the habit of amputating the paralysed spider's legs increasing the portability and saving energy during transport. This Bornean species belongs in the latter group
Pompilid wasp Gen. sp. TBC F (with Araneid prey spider) Danum Valley Sabah WL (wasp) 20.0mm
South east Asian InsectsSouth east Asian HymenopteraSouth east Asian waspsSouth east Asian PompilidaePompilid wasp with orb spider preyspider hunter
The Short-tailed Duskdarter, Zyxomma elgneri, occurs in Australia and New Guinea, and on surrounding islands
Zyxomma elgneri M New Guinea (example from Australia) WS 70.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesZyxomma elgneriNew Guinea InsectsNew Guinea OdonataNew Guinea DragonfliesIndonesia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia Libellulidaeshorttailed duskdarter
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Tramea stenoloba M extends in the west from the Kangean Islands off Java and further east in the Lesser Sunda Islands (including Flores, Lombok, Sawu and Sumba) and Australia
Tramea stenoloba M New Guinea (example from Australia) WS 100.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesTramea stenoloba MKangean Islands Java LibellulidaeLesser Sunda Islands LibellulidaeFlores LibellulidaeLombok LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeEastern Indonesia LibellulidaeCocos Islands LibellulidaeNarrowlobed GliderKangean Islands Java dragonflyLesser Sunda Islands dragonflyFlores dragonflyLombok dragonflyAustralia dragonflyEastern Indonesia dragonflyCocos Islands dragonfly
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
The Yellow-barred Flutterer Rhyothemis phyllis is distributed widely, extending from South-east Asia, including Cambodia, China, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia to New Guinea and northern Australia
Rhyothemis phyllis Malaysia (example from Australia) WS 77.3mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesNew Guinea InsectsNew Guinea OdonataGuinea DragonfliesRhyothemis phyllisLibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeCambodia LibellulidaeChina LibellulidaeIndia LibellulidaeTaiwan LibellulidaeThailand LibellulidaeMyanmar LibellulidaeVietnam LibellulidaeMalaysia LibellulidaeSingapore LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeYellowBarred FluttererYellowstriped Flutterer
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Female Skimmers can be difficult to attribute a species name without males though I am reasonably confident that this is O. villosovittatum. The Skimmer extends from eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and surrounding islands to northern and eastern Australia
Orthetrum villosovittatum Female (showing high temperature colour) New Guinea (example from Australia) BL 45.0mm 3
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesOrthetrum villosovittatumIndonesia dragonflyNew Guinea dragonflyAustralia dragonflyIndonesia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia Libellulidaefiery skimmer
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Pantala flavescens is the most widespread dragonfly and insect, occurring all continents except Antarctica - one of the original trade-wind sailers!
Pantala flavescens M (example from Australia), most widespread dragonfly, all continents except Antarctica WS to 84.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesPantala flavescensmost widespread world dragonflyUnited States dragonflySouth America dragonflyAfrica dragonflyMadagascar dragonflyArabian dragonflyIndia dragonflyChina dragonflySoutheast AsiaThailandMalaysia dragonflyPhilippines dragonflyBorneo dragonflyNew Guinea dragonflyPapua dragonflyAustralia dragonflyWandering GliderGlobe SkimmerGlobe WandererUnited States LibellulidaeSouth America LibellulidaeAfrica LibellulidaeMadagascar LibellulidaeArabian LibellulidaeIndia LibellulidaeChina LibellulidaeSoutheast Asia LibellulidaeThailand LibellulidaeMalaysia LibellulidaePhilippines LibellulidaeBorneo LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaePapua LibellulidaeAustralia Libellulidae
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Female Skimmers can be difficult to attribute a species name without males though I am reasonably confident that this is O. villosovittatum. The Skimmer extends from eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and surrounding islands to northern and eastern Australia
Orthetrum villosovittatum F New Guinea showing low temperature colour (example from Australia) BL 45.0mm 1
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesOrthetrum villosovittatumIndonesia dragonflyNew Guinea dragonflyAustralia dragonflyIndonesia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia Libellulidaefiery skimmer
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Female Skimmers can be difficult to attribute a species name without males though I am reasonably confident that this is O. villosovittatum. The Skimmer extends from eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and surrounding islands to northern and eastern Australia
Orthetrum villosovittatum Female (showing high temperature colour) New Guinea (example from Australia) BL 45.0mm 2
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesOrthetrum villosovittatumIndonesia dragonflyNew Guinea dragonflyAustralia dragonflyIndonesia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia Libellulidaefiery skimmer
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Combine coastal still freshwater bodies as breeding areas, strong tropical airflows and a dragonfly with excellent gliding abilities and you have one of the world's most widespread tropical and subtropical dragonflies - one of the world's first tradewind sailers. However prevailing wind direction and the Atlantic Ocean have denied this nomad access to mainland Africa
Macrodiplax cora M world tropics and subtropics except mainland Africa (example from Australia) WS 65.4mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeMacrodiplax coraAustralia LibellulidaeIndia LibellulidaeVietnam LibellulidaeThailand LibellulidaeBurma LibellulidaeMalaysia LibellulidaeSingapore LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaePhilippines LibellulidaeBorneo LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeWestern Pacific LibellulidaeCoastal GliderCora's PennantWandering Pennant
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Lathrecista asiastica is widespread occurring in India, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Borneo, New Guinea, Australia and the Western Pacific
Lathrecista asiastica Malaysia (example from Australia) BL 50.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesLathrecista asiastica festaQueensland LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeIndia LibellulidaeVietnam LibellulidaeThailand LibellulidaeBurma LibellulidaeMalaysia LibellulidaeSingapore LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaePhilippines LibellulidaeBorneo LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeWestern Pacific Libellulidae
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Combine coastal still freshwater bodies as breeding areas, strong tropical airflows and a dragonfly with excellent gliding abilities and you have one of the world's most widespread tropical and subtropical dragonflies - one of the world's first tradewind sailers. However prevailing wind direction and the Atlantic Ocean have denied this nomad access to mainland Africa
Macrodiplax cora M world tropics and subtropics except mainland Africa (example from Australia) WS 65.4mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeMacrodiplax coraAustralia LibellulidaeIndia LibellulidaeVietnam LibellulidaeThailand LibellulidaeBurma LibellulidaeMalaysia LibellulidaeSingapore LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaePhilippines LibellulidaeBorneo LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeWestern Pacific LibellulidaeCoastal GliderCora's PennantWandering Pennant
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Some barklice are known to cluster into aggregations of various sizes. These nymphs are recently hatched and have wing buds. The aggregations more around the trunk feeding as they go. Sometimes there may be a second cluster they meet whereupon some individuals may swap and then move on among cousins. A large group may divide into two. Other species are know to have up to three generations in the one cluster though the winged adults may then later disperse. So why aggregate in the first instance? This may be the result of the 'Trafalgar effect' where if a predator makes contact with one member of the edge they will do a special mechanical wiggle that spreads through the cluster like a ripple causing a mass fragmentation of the cluster that presumably confuses the predator. It can be seen in the picture that the majority of edge members are facing outwards with antennae extended
Gen. sp. TBC (bark lice aggregation) Penang Island Malaysia BL 4.2mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian PsocopteraMalaysia Bark LiceIndonesia PsocopteraMalaysia book liceMalaysia PsocopteraIndonesia book liceIndonesia bark lice
There is nothing quite like spending a warm tropical afternoon lying in a rock pool somewhere in the foothills of mainland Asia with the cool current gently riffling over your shoulders. You are watching these magnificent damselflies guarding their territories against marauding males. If you believe in fairies then these are the closest you will come to real ones
Neurobasis chinensis chinensis Kampung Lopat Brunei BL 55.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesBorneo DamselfliesCalopterygidaeNeurobasis chinensis chinensis MaleBrunei CalopterygidaeStream GloryOriental GreenwingChinese GreenwingGreenwinged DemoiselleGreen Metalwing
From South East Asian Calopterygidae (Broad-winged Damselflies, Demoiselles, Metalwings)
The Asian Pintail from an anthropocentric point of view has 'feminised hips' making it a relatively easy dragonfly to identify. The combination of small size and short fluttering flight pattern contributes to a group of features that are atypical for its family
Acisoma panorpoides panorpoides Bali Island Indonesia BL 28.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesion DragonfliesLibellulidaeAcisoma panorpoides panorpoidesBali Island LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaeTrumpet TailAsian PintailBulbbodied Skimmer
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
The genera Neurothemis and Camacinia are among the most distinctive and regularly encountered South East Asian dragonflies as their larvae are quite happy in city park ponds. The heavily pigmented dark wing pattern and classic familial perching behaviour, combined with a seeming lack of fear when humans approach them, seems to add to their overall 'charisma'. This species is noticeably larger and less common than its Neurothemis cousins
Camacinia gigantea Male New Guinea South East Asia WS to 97.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeCamacinia gigantea MaleNew Guinea LibellulidaeSouth East Asia LibellulidaeSultan
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
The genera Neurothemis and Camacinia are among the most distinctive and regularly encountered South East Asian dragonflies as their larvae are quite happy in city park ponds. The heavily pigmented dark wing pattern and classic familial perching behaviour, combined with a seeming lack of fear when humans approach them, seems to add to their overall 'charisma'. It is quite challenging for the casual observer to distinguish the subtle differences between species. This is made more difficult when males are freshly emerged and their colours are not fully stabilised to rusty red. Females of some species lack the strong wing pigmentation of males
Neurothemis terminata M (freshly molted) Bali Island Indonesia 1
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeNeurothemis terminataBali Island LibellulidaeIndonesia Libellulidae
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
This perky little widespread percher is far hardier than it looks. Small flying animals that are able to make it to the oceanic group of islands we know as the Seychelles are remarkably resilient - ancestors were maybe the earliest trade wind sailers? It is unlikely that this dragonfly made it as a larva that requires water to live in so it must have flown. With a small number of larger dragonfly species they migrate west from India, stopping off for a rest on the Maldives before the next rest at the Seychelles and then proceed west to breed in eastern Africa. The new generation then does the return journey to India completing a round trip approaching 18,000 km making it the longest known oceanic insect migration
Chalky Percher Diplacodes trivialis Bali Island Indonesia, Africa, Seychelles, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji WS 68.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeDiplacodes trivialisBali Island LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaeAfrica LibellulidaeSeychelles LibellulidaeJapan LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeFiji LibellulidaeChalky PercherBlue Percher
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Like many Family members this species is able to migrate large distances to take advantage of local breeding conditions. How a small animal knows that far away heavy rains have filled ponds and swamps remains to be resolved. A week or two after the waterbodies are charged they arrive to set up territories, mate and lay their eggs. The new generation of adults may do the reverse and return to the country of their parents during prime breeding time
Hydrobasileus brevistylis South East Asia New Guinea Australia WS 91.1mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesion DragonfliesLibellulidaeHydrobasileus brevistylisSouth East Asia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeWater Prince
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
The genera Neurothemis and Camacinia are among the most distinctive and regularly encountered South East Asian dragonflies as their larvae are quite happy in city park ponds. The heavily pigmented dark wing pattern and classic familial perching behaviour, combined with a seeming lack of fear when humans approach them, seems to add to their overall 'charisma'. It is quite challenging for the casual observer to distinguish the subtle differences between species. This is made more difficult when males and females are freshly emerged and their colours are not fully stabilised
Neurothemis fluctuans M (freshly emerged) South East Asia, New Guinea BL 40.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeNeurothemis fluctuans freshly emergedNew Guinea LibellulidaeObliquebanded WidowCoppertone VelvetwingCommon Parasol
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
The genera Neurothemis and Camacinia are among the most distinctive and regularly encountered South East Asian dragonflies as their larvae are quite happy in city park ponds. The heavily pigmented dark wing pattern and classic familial perching behaviour, combined with a seeming lack of fear when humans approach them, seems to add to their overall 'charisma'. It is quite challenging for the casual observer to distinguish the subtle differences between species. This is made more difficult when males are freshly emerged and their colours are not fully stabilised to rusty red. On alighting the wings are progressively moved forward in a jerky fashion
Neurothemis terminata terminata M (freshly emerged) Simanggang Sarawak Malaysia BL 36.0mm 4
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeNeurothemis terminata MaleMalaysia LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaeStraightedged Red Parasol DragonflyIndonesian Redwinged Dragonfly
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
The genera Neurothemis and Camacinia are among the most distinctive and regularly encountered South East Asian dragonflies as their larvae are quite happy in city park ponds. The heavily pigmented dark wing pattern and classic familial perching behaviour, combined with a seeming lack of fear when humans approach them, seems to add to their overall 'charisma'. It is quite challenging for the casual observer to distinguish the subtle differences between species. This is made more difficult when males are freshly emerged and their colours are not fully stabilised to rusty red. On alighting the wings are progressively moved forward in a jerky fashion
Neurothemis terminata terminata M Bako National Park Sarawak Malaysia WS 60.0mm 3
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeNeurothemis terminata MaleBako National Sarawak LibellulidaeMalaysia LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaeStraightedged Red Parasol DragonflyIndonesian Redwinged Dragonfly
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
This species has two major features that set it apart from most members of this large Family of dragonflies. Firstly, though there are many species where males bear a bluish-grey powder when they mature, none of these have black wing tips. Secondly, though the majority of species are typical sun-loving dragonflies, there is a small group that are described as having crepuscular habits. This is to say they live their lives during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn. There are benefits in having eyes that are evolved to low light conditions. Competition with other dragonflies for space and food is much decreased and the access to abundant nocturnally active prey is vastly increased
Zyxomma obtusum M Sengiggi Lombok Island Indonesia WS 74.6mm 1
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeZyxomma obtusum MaleLombok Island LibellulidaeIndonesia Libellulidae Duskhawker
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
The genera Neurothemis and Camacinia are among the most distinctive and regularly encountered South East Asian dragonflies as their larvae are quite happy in city park ponds. The heavily pigmented dark wing pattern and classic familial perching behaviour, combined with a seeming lack of fear when humans approach them, seems to add to their overall 'charisma'. It is quite challenging for the casual observer to distinguish the subtle differences between species. This is made more difficult when males are freshly emerged and their colours are not fully stabilised to rusty red. On alighting the wings are progressively moved forward in a jerky fashion
Neurothemis terminata terminata M Bako National Park Sarawak Malaysia BL 40.0mm 2
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeNeurothemis terminata MaleBako National Sarawak LibellulidaeMalaysia LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaeStraightedged Red Parasol DragonflyIndonesian Redwinged Dragonfly
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Beautiful networks are abundant in nature starting from the elegance of the DNA molecule and all its magnified fractal expressions as expressed on this male Common Glider's hindwing
Tramea loewii M (hindwing close-up) South East Asia New Guinea (example from Australia) WS 79.6mm 2
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeTramea loewii male hindwing closeupSouth East Asia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeCommon GliderCommon FlatwingCommon Australian Flatwing
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Common Gliders fly fast and high and are challenging for the enthusiast to catch. Males on emerging from the larval exoskeleton are similar looking to females until they harden to their crimson masculine appearence
Tramea loewii Male (left) South East Asia to New Guinea and Australia WS 79.6mm 4
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeTramea loewii male hindwing closeupSouth East Asia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeCommon GliderCommon FlatwingCommon Australian Flatwing
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Beautiful networks are abundant in nature starting from the elegance of the DNA molecule and all its magnified fractal expressions as expressed on this female Common Glider's hindwing
Tramea loewii F South East Asia New Guinea (example from Australia) WS 79.6mm 3
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeTramea loewii male hindwing closeupSouth East Asia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeCommon GliderCommon FlatwingCommon Australian Flatwing
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Common Gliders fly fast and high and are challenging for the enthusiast to catch. Males on emerging from the larval exoskeleton are similar looking to females until they harden to their crimson masculine appearance
Tramea loewii Male South East Asia, New Guinea, (example from Australia) WS 79.6mm 1
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeTramea loewii MaleSouth East Asia LibellulidaeNew Guinea LibellulidaeAustralia LibellulidaeCommon FlatwingCommon Australian FlatwingCommon Glider
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
This species has two major features that set it apart from most members of this large family of dragonflies. Firstly, though there are many species where males bear a bluish-grey powder when they mature, none of these have black wing tips. Secondly, though the majority of species are typical sun-loving dragonflies, there is a small group that are described as having crepuscular habits. This is to say they live their lives during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn. There are benefits in having eyes that are evolved to low light conditions. Competition with other dragonflies for space and food is much decreased and the access to abundant nocturnally active prey is vastly increased
Zyxomma obtusum M Sengiggi Lombok Island Indonesia WS 74.6mm 2
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DragonfliesSingapore DragonfliesBorneo DragonfliesMalaysian DragonfliesIndonesian DragonfliesLibellulidaeZyxomma obtusum MaleLombok Island LibellulidaeIndonesia LibellulidaeDuskhawker
From South East Asian Libellulidae (Skimmers, Perchers, Pennants)
Dragonflies and damselflies are well known for mate guarding behaviour where the female is protected from interference from the ardour of other males. After mating the female disengages from the male genital orifice, positioned at the base of the abdomen in this ancient group of insects. Before the female engages with the male he must first grab her by the neck using specialised claspers. When both connections are made then mating can occur and the shape of the of this double connection to referred to as the 'wheel'. In this species the male its still connected though not supporting his own weight by fluttering whilst the female lays her eggs. The males of most other bilateral animals have their genitals placed at the tip of the abdomen
Prodasineura sp. M F Tanah Batu Putih Nature Reserve Halmahera Indonesia BL M 35.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DamselflyIndonesian DamselflyProtoneuridaeProdasineura sp.Halmahera ProtoneuridaeIndonesia ProtoneuridaeHalmahera Threadtaildamselfly ovipositionpinfly
This is a small family of handsome short-bodied damselflies containing around 60 species that reach their centre of biodiversity in South East Asia. Some species have beautifully metallic wings which can only be appreciated during their short fluttering flight behaviour. Euphaea subcostalis is restricted to Borneo and the Philippines - Brunei, Indonesia (Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak), and the Philippines
Euphaea subcostalis M Kampung Lopat Brunei BL 70.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DamselflyBorneo DamselflyEuphaeaidaeEuphaea subcostalisBrunei EuphaeaidaeSatinwingVelvetwingBrunei damselflyIndonesia EuphaeaidaeKalimantan EuphaeaidaeMalaysia EuphaeaidaeSabah EuphaeaidaeSarawak EuphaeaidaePhilippines EuphaeaidaeIndonesia damselflyKalimantan damselflyMalaysia damselflySabah damselflySarawak damselflyPhilippines damselfly
From South East Asian Euphaeidae (Velvetwings, Satinwings, Gossamerwings)
Pericnemis triangularis is one of the longer-bodied members of the Family Ceonagrionidae in South East Asia. Members of the genus are specialised to breeding in water-filled tree hollows and they are therefore rated as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN as a result of extensive logging in Borneo
Pericnemis triangularis F Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei BL 60.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DamselflyBorneo DamselflyCoenagrionidaePericnemis triangularisBrunei CoenagrionidaeNarrowwinged DamselflyPond DamselflyBorneo CoenagrionidaeSarawak CoenagrionidaeSabah CoenagrionidaeIndonesia CoenagrionidaeSarawak DamselflySabah DamselflyIndonesia DamselflyKalimantan DamselflyBrunei Damselfly
From South East Asian Coenagrionidae Narrow-winged Damselflies, Pond Damsels)
Unlike other South East Asian damselfly Families most species bear pigmented rather than metallic coloration. This subspecies is known from Bali, where it has managed to cross Wallaces line to the island of Lombok
Pseudagrion pilidorsum declaratum Sengiggi Lombok Island Indonesia BL 51.6mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DamselflyIndonesian DamselflyCoenagrionidaePseudagrion pilidorsum declaratumLombok Island CoenagrionidaeIndonesia CoenagrionidaeNarrowwinged DamselflyPond Damselfly
From South East Asian Coenagrionidae Narrow-winged Damselflies, Pond Damsels)
Coenagrionid damselflies are delicate insects with long slender bodies and slender wings. They are often encountered resting on vegetation beside ponds or sluggish waters in which their equally delicate larvae go through the development stages. Sulawesi has high levels of damselfly endemism though lower levels of endemism in the stronger flying dragonflies
Amphicnemis sp. Camba Sulawesi Indonesia BL 40.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian DamselflyIndonesian DamselflyCoenagrionidaeAmphicnemis sp.Sulawesi CoenagrionidaeIndonesia CoenagrionidaeNarrowwinged DamselflyPond Damselfly
From South East Asian Coenagrionidae Narrow-winged Damselflies, Pond Damsels)
Insects were probably the first group of terrestrial animals to evolve sexually dichromatic colouration due to increased exposure to the 'raw' light from our sun, forcing light 'awareness' pressures on the marine arthropod eye resulting in larger eye sizes in the first diurnally active species. Then ancient ancestral marine arthropod sexual dimorphism was expressed in a 'hard light terrestrial' way - how do 'I' as a terrestrial male recognise my mate in a gaseous atmosphere? This 'modern' terminology basically means that the sexes are differently coloured and patterned, at the same time they may show little structural difference. Alternatively, there may be obvious structural differences between the sexes and this is called sexual dimorphism. The two terms are often confused. The normal trend for sexual dichromatism is for males to be more colourful than females as seen in this stunning species. The females in this species have reduced blue markings on the body and less colourful wings with white tips. Rhinocypha monchroa is endemic to Sulawesi and the Molucca Islands to the east
Rhinocypha monochroa M Tanah Batu Putih Halmahera Indonesia BL 30.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesRhinocypha monochroa MaleChlorocyphidaeHalmahera ChlorocyphidaeRhinocypha humeralisRhinocyphaBrunei ChlorocyphidaeBorneo ChlorocyphidaeSarawak ChlorocyphidaeSabah ChlorocyphidaeIndonesia Chlorocyphidae
The glittering 'jewel' Family is best represented in Asia and Africa and contains some of the world's most colourful damselflies. The Family is also distinctive by way of the wings being longer than the body. The genus Rhinocypha extends from India, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, to New Guinea and north eastern Australia. It is represented by almost 60 species. The metallic wing tints have a strong strobing effect and appear to disappear as the viewer's angle changes
Rhinocypha humeralis M Kampung Lopat Brunei BL 25.0mm 2
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesRhinocypha humeralisChlorocyphidaeRhinocyphaBrunei ChlorocyphidaeBorneo ChlorocyphidaeSarawak ChlorocyphidaeSabah ChlorocyphidaeIndonesia Chlorocyphidae
The glittering 'jewel' Family is best represented in Asia and Africa and contains some of the world's most colourful damselflies. The Family is also distinctive by way of the wings being longer than the body. The genus Rhinocypha extends from India, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, to New Guinea and north eastern Australia. It is represented by almost 60 species. The metallic wing tints have a strong strobing effect and appear to disappear as the viewer's angle changes
Rhinocypha humeralis M Kampung Lopat Brunei BL 25.0mm 1
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesRhinocypha humeralisChlorocyphidaeRhinocyphaBrunei ChlorocyphidaeBorneo ChlorocyphidaeSarawak ChlorocyphidaeSabah ChlorocyphidaeIndonesia Chlorocyphidae
The glittering 'jewel' Family is best represented in Asia and Africa and contains some of the world's most colourful damselflies. The Family is also distinctive by way of the wings being longer than the body. The genus Rhinocypha extends from India, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, to New Guinea and north eastern Australia. It is represented by almost 60 species. The metallic wing tints have a strong strobing effect and appear to disappear as the viewer's angle changes
Rhinocypha fenestrata fenestrata M Bogor Java Indonesia BL 30.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesDamselflyChlorocyphidaeBali Island ChlorocyphidaeIndonesia ChlorocyphidaeJewelRhinocypha fenestrata fenestrata Male
The glittering 'jewel' family is best represented in Asia and Africa and contains some of the world's most colourful damselflies. The Family is also distinctive by way of the wings being longer than the body. The genus Rhinocypha extends from India, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, to New Guinea and north eastern Australia. It is represented by almost 60 species. The metallic wing tints have a strong strobing effect and appear to disappear as the viewer's angle changes
Rhinocypha fenestrata cornelii M Ubud Bali Island Indonesia BL 30.0mm 2
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesDamselflyChlorocyphidaeRhinocypha fenestrata cornelii MaleBali Island ChlorocyphidaeIndonesia ChlorocyphidaeJewel
The glittering 'jewel' Family is best represented in Asia and Africa and contains some of the world's most colourful damselflies. The Family is also distinctive by way of the wings being longer than the body. The genus Rhinocypha extends from India, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, to New Guinea and north eastern Australia. It is represented by almost 60 species. The metallic wing tints have a strong strobing effect and appear to disappear as the viewer's angle changes
Rhinocypha fenestrata cornelii M Ubud Bali Island Indonesia BL 30.0mm 1
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesDamselflyChlorocyphidaeRhinocypha fenestrata cornelii MaleBali Island ChlorocyphidaeIndonesia ChlorocyphidaeJewel
The glittering 'jewel' Family is best represented in Asia and Africa and contains some of the world's most colourful damselflies. The Family is also distinctive by way of the wings being longer than the body. The genus Rhinocypha extends from India, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, to New Guinea and north eastern Australia. It is represented by almost 60 species. The metallic wing tints have a strong strobing effect and appear to disappear as the viewer's angle changes
Rhinocypha biseriata M Bantimurung Sulawesi Indonesia BL 33.0mm
South East Asian insectsSouth East Asian OdonataSouth East Asian DamselfliesIndonesian DamselflyChlorocyphidaeRhinocypha biseriata MaleSulawesi ChlorocyphidaeIndonesia ChlorocyphidaeIndonesian Jewel