Protosticta curiosa

Scientific name: Protosticta curiosa Fraser, 1934

Family: Platystictidae

Thai name: แมลงปอเข็มรำไรปล้องฟ้า, แมลงปอเข็มรำไรปล้องขาว

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When I went to Erawan waterfall, Kanchanaburi, last year, I was surprised to see two platystictid, Protosticta grandis and P. curiosa, hidden in the shade area. The former is larger than the latter. Only white band and spot were seen when it perched. But when it flew, it's very hard to see where it's flying to.

male

P. curiosa is one of four Protosticta found in Thailand. This species is recognised by three rows of pair of pale brown spot on its prothorax (see picture below). Male has extremely long abdomen. S-9 is entirely white.

markings on prothorax

Female is similar to the male but shorter. 9^th abdominal segment is vividly white.

female

The species is found throughout the country except the east part.