102. Protosticta grandis (Asahina, 1985)

No: 102 / Family: Platystictidae / Genus: Protosticta 

Name: Protosticta grandis / Large Reedtail* 

Habitat: Heavily forested upland streams

Province(s): Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi
In flight: March-August / Sightings (by me): Rare

Easily confused with: N/A

*Name adapted up by me (based on Thai names/existing common names of other species in genus).

When I visited Chiang Mai last March-May 2010, I discovered around 40 new species for my photo collection. One, which I initially misidentified, was Protosticta grandis. The correct ID was pointed out to me by Noppadon  Makbun.

The Male
Since finding the teneral male, I have at long last spotted the adult male. He is similar to that of the teneral. However, his eyes are now a vivid blue and the humeral stripe has a blue tinge to it. Again, I saw this specimen at Erawan waterfall.

Here's the best natural photo I managed to get (bear in mind it was the dullest, rainiest day in the world).

So ... capturing a specimen and finding a tiny light source was the best option...

 Here are the caudal appendages ...

The 'Young' Male

Here is a young male (not yet in full colour) that I saw in Chang Mai back in March, 2010 (yep, long time ago!)

                                                                      The 'Teneral' Male

There were several newly emerged specimens at Lamklong Ngu NP (Kanchanaburi) back in March 2011, again under heavy tree cover...

The Female ...

I was fortunate to also find a female. She is almost identical to that of the male, but easier to approach. The male is slightly trickier to get near. 

Female in the hand ... 

Like with the male, she is "playing dead"- something I have witnessed a lot with damselflies.

The Tandem

Not the best shot in the world as it was facing light and high up, but at least I got a glimpse of one!