Scientific name: Protosticta medusa Fraser, 1934
Family: Platystictidae
Thai name: แมลงปอเข็มรำไรเมดูซา
male
Recently, the estimated number of species recorded in Thailand is much close to 400. Many new records and species are (privately) revealed in last few years. Most records are from Southern Thailand and some are from Northern and Central parts. Last month I went to Pa Chareon waterfall where Protosticta medusa is recorded. It's the last protostictid species I've waiting for and have a unique appendages. Finally, I found it!
male appendages
It's a large protostictid. Male is black body with white stripes. The black marking on prothorax is unique. Abdomen is long and black in color. Basal rind is white. Partially dorsal part of S8 and entirely dorsal part of S9-10 is blue. Superior appendages is complex with a tuff of hairs as shown in photo. Female: coloration and marking are similar to that of the male but shorter and stouter. Young female has blue patche on S8-9 but the blue patch on S8 will disappear as it ages.
young and adult female
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