Sympetrum group

Family Libelullidae

Sympetrum fonscolombii

Selys 1840

Elevation 800-1500m

Abdomen length 22-28mm

Location Godavari

The main distinctive IDs for this species are yellow on the exterior surfaces of the legs, and red along the coastal border of the wings including the pterostigma. This is a medium-sized red dragonfly that you find in the mountains on small ponds, even cement ponds. The female is like the male but yellow instead of red. I have seen this one in Gilgit Pakistan and in the hills of Sri Lanka.

Male

Sympetrum hypomelas

(Selys, 1884)

Elevation 1500-3600m

Abdomen Length 25-26mm

This one was fully reproduced at Dhaap in May. The grassy edges of the lake were full of them drying their newly opened wings in the sun while beside them others were mating and ovipositing. I have found them breeding in a wetland in Upper Mustang above 3000m. It is very similar to S. orientale but differs by markings and coloration on the thorax and shape of the genitalia. It is found in NE India, NW India, Nepal, Bhutan, and possibly other locations along the Himalayas.

Male

Female

Sympetrum striolatum commixtum

(Selys 1884)

Elevation 1500- 3800m

Abdomen Length 28-30mm

Location Upper Mustang, Shiva Puri

The identification for this one is a count of the antinodal index - there are 7 1/2 cells in the forewings. The anal appendages are red, tipped black, and a few black markings on the dorsum of segments 8, 9, and 10. It is a high-altitude wetland species. Several photos were taken in Upper Mustang at 3800m. The distribution is narrower than its two relatives.

Male

Mating