Dragonflies and Damselflies of Malaysia

14 August 2026

Neurobasis chinensis VS Neurobasis longipes

Differences between Neurobasis chinensis and Neurobasis longipes

Both Neurobasis chinensis and Neurobasis longipes occur in Peninsular Malaysia, with N. chinensis being much more common. To be honest, I only encountered N. longipes at a very few locations in Peninsular Malaysia. The male individuals of N. chinensis and N. longipes are quite similar. The base of hindwing has more extensive area of clear cells in N. longipes if compared to N. chinensis. It is actually quite difficult to tell apart the male individuals of both the species based on in-situ photos. However, the in-situ photos of female individuals may help to know the presence of which species at the site. The wing of female N. chinensis has two white spots while the female N. longipes has one white spot (see the photos below). When Neurobasis male individuals are spotted at one site, the female individuals are also frequently present at the site. I normally use this character to identify N. chinensis and N. longipes on site without catching them.

Neurobasis chinensis - female

Taman Eko Rimba Jeram Linang, Ulu Sat Forest Reserve, Kelantan

Neurobasis longipes - female

Kuala Tahan, Pahang

Pangkor Island - Amphicnemis gracilis

Amphicnemis gracilis - female

Pangkor Island, Perak

13 August 2026

Urban Biodiversity of Odonata at Retention Ponds

Urban Biodiversity of Odonata at Retention Ponds

Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) of Malaysia requires property development project exceeding 10.12 ha to construct retention or detention ponds under the Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia. These retention ponds normally have dual use - to turn into public recreational parks. I have visited a few of these retention ponds (recreational parks) for the past 2-3 years in Selangor – Shah Alam, Kajang and Semenyih. I must say that these retention ponds are good locations for dragonfly watching. To be honest, I was thrilled to observe some interesting Odonata species at these ponds in Selangor, such as Trithemis pallidinervis, Diplacodes nebulosa, Neurothemis tullia, Indothemis limbata, Chalybeothemis chini and Aethriamanta brevipennis, Tramea transmarina, Hydrobasileus croceus and Lestes decipiens. Indeed, these retention ponds are interesting urban landscape to promote urban biodiversity of Odonata.

Town Park, Bandar Bukit Raja, Shah Alam, Selangor

Canal Park, Setia Alamsari, Kajang, Selangor

Eco Forest, Semenyih, Selangor

Central Park, Tropicana Heights, Kajang, Selangor

Pangkor Island - Mortonagrion arthuri

Mortonagrion arthuri - male

Pangkor Island, Perak

12 August 2026

Genting Highlands - Calicnemia rectangulata

Damselfly - Calicnemia rectangulata

Calicnemia rectangulata is a strictly highland species. It is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia.

Calicnemia rectangulata - egg laying

Genting Highlands, Pahang

Female Comparison of Indothemis limbata, Indothemis carnatica and Trithemis aurora

Both Indothemis limbata and Indothemis carnatica are present in Peninsular Malaysia but absent in Borneo. Both species have the same aquatic habitat - ponds. The females of Indothemis limbata and Indothemis carnatica look alike, but yet they are distinguishable based on the extensiveness of tinted area at wing bases and the presence/absence of tinted wing tips (see photo images below). The female of Trithemis aurora may make one confused with the female of Indothemis limbata. Though both the females (Indothemis limbata and Trithemis aurora) have extensive tint on wing bases, they are readily be told apart by the presence/absence of tinted wing tips. Their dorsal thoracic and abdominal markings are actually different (see photo images below). One may ask about the female of Trithemis festiva. Well, the female of Trithemis festiva is also yellowish brown in colour with black marking. However, its thoracic and abdominal black marking pattern is different from those of Trithemis aurora and Indothemis limbata/carnatica. Click here to see the female of Trithemis festiva.