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OBSERVATIONS OF ARISTOCYPHA FENESTRELLA DAMSELFLIES

on 7th April 2014

“The damselfly Aristocypha fenestrella (family Chlorocyphidae) is widely distributed throughout mainland tropical Asia and lives along clear, swift forest streams from the lowlands up to 1700 metres in elevation (Orr, 2005).

“On 22nd February 2014, we had the privilege of observing this species at close quarters within the streams of Ulu Langat forest (Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia). The male may be recognised by its dark wings, which are black and purple with a metallic sheen (above).

“The female, on the other hand, has extensive yellow streaks on its thorax and its wings are clear (above).

A few females were seen to be busy ovipositing (laying eggs) within floating stems and branches on the side of the stream (above).

“A video clip of the female ovipositing may be previewed above.

“Oftentimes, a possessive male would be watching over the female closely as it performs an entrancing dance, constantly flashing its fancy wings and displaying the prominent white limbs (above).

“Video clips of the male dancing in front of the female may be previewed above and below.

“As we were entertained by all this delightfully delicate damselfly behaviour, a serpent silently swam towards us and paused to pose for a picture (below). It was an attention-seeking Speckle-bellied Keelback (Rhabdophis chrysargos, family Natricidae) merely trying to steal the limelight from its Odonate neighbours.”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming & Gary Lim
Singapore
25th March 2014

Reference:
Orr, A. G., 2005. Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu. vi + 127 pp.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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