“The Common Flangetail (Ictinogomphus decoratus, family Gomphidae) is the most readily observed member of the Clubtail family in Singapore and are regularly sighted along reservoirs, ponds and streams. However, it is usually the males that are encountered as they bask boldly in the sun and guard their turf (above, below).
“The female is rarely seen, but I was provided with brief views of one fine example on 19th November 2014 (below). She is very similar to the male, but her abdomen is a little more plump.
“As I approached this female with apprehension and caution, she allowed me to get close enough to appreciate her voracious appetite. Each time she darted off from her perch, she would return soon after with an insect prey clasped between her jaws.
“These prey items included a earwig (above),
“…as well as a wasp (above).
“Video clips of the female dragonfly feeding on the earwig and wasp respectively may be previewed here:”
Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
17th May 2015
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