Trithemis festiva

Scientific name: Trithemis festiva (Rambur, 1842)

Family: Libellulidae

Thai name: แมลงปอบ้านใต้ผู้ม่วง

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I'd been wondering where the female of Trithemis festiva are after spotting only the male in many field trips for 3 years. Unlike its congeners, T. aurora and T. pallidinervis, I often see both sexes around the stream and waterfall. I've seen it's ovipositing around the stream for three times. Is it hiding in the forest far from the stream like those of Brachydiplax, or does it have a small number? I don't know. Until recently, I luckily found a female perching on dry twig near the stream. It's easy to get close and photographed her.

male

Male is dark blue in coloration. Wings are clear. Base of abdomen is dark blue with yellow streaks. Female is black with yellow markings. Abdomen is black with yellow streaks.

female

You can see this species throughout the country in forest area all the year. Male is easily to spot but it's very hard to see the female.