“While inspecting a local pond in February 2017, I was greeted by a charming and handsome Sultan dragonfly (Camacinia gigantea, family Libellulidae). He was perched on the stiff and straight inflorescence of an aroid (below).
“Periodically, he would take off from this favourite perch and conduct brief flights over his territory, or snatch a meal from the sky. Sometimes, he would return with an insect in his mouth (below).
“A video clip of this regal dragonfly chomping and chewing his prey may be previewed here:
“Then, just when I least expected, this Sultan darted off with a burst of energy and urgency. Next, I heard the clash of wings in mid-air and the male was swiftly back to his perch, with a female in tow! The pair had adopted the mating wheel position (below) and remained in union for just under a minute.
“A video clip of their intense, intimate moment may be previewed here:
“Not long after my observations had reached its climax, the female then sought a secluded corner of the pond to lay her fertilised eggs.
“A brief video clip of this female ovipositing may be previewed here:”
Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
5th April 2017
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