Diplacodes, lefebvrii, nebulosa, trivialis

Family Libellulidae

Diplacodes lefebvrii 

(Rambur 1842)

Elevation 200-900m

Abdomen Length 17-25mm

The Black Percher is a rare find in Nepal. This was a new sighting found on a hill above Pokhara at a resort called Tiger Mountain. It was very unexpected on a dry hilltop. I only saw one and know nothing about its habits. It is probably similar to its relative D. trivialis. It is widespread throughout Africa, the Middle East, and a few locations in central India.

Male

Diplacodes nebulosa
(Fabricus 1793)
Elevation sea level to 1000m
Abdomen Length 15-17mm

Another wetland species found on reeds and grass in the water - it is unlike its relative D. trivialis which often sits on the ground. The female is similar to the female of D. trivialis but has a slightly different background pattern of black and ochre. The males are easy to ID with the black tip on the wings.

Male

Female

Diplacodes trivialis
(Rambur 1842)

Elevation of sea-level to 3000m

Abdomen Length 19-22mm

Sometimes called the chalky percher or the ground skimmer. Usually seen sitting on the ground and not always close to a water body. They are often found in paddy fields, along a path, and near canals. Common throughout Asia and Australasia. The males get more pruinosed (powdery blue) as they age, juvenile males are similar to females in coloration.

Male

Female