Dragonflying at Canal Park, Setia Alamsari

Dragonflying at Canal Park, Setia Alamsari, Selangor

Setia Alamsari is located in the larger Kajang area (many thought it is in Bangi arae), Selangor. It is about 5 km away from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia main campus. Canal Park is located within the township of Setia Alamsari, and it is a focus of recreation for the people living in the township. The park contains three nice ponds (actually retention ponds) with cemented walkways surrounding the ponds. I visited to Canal Park for dragonfly watching on 18 July 2026 (from 10 am to 1.30 pm). I managed to spot 21 Odonata species - 5 damselflies and 16 dragonflies. 

Google map showing the three ponds (A, B & C) in Canal Park

the big signage of Canal Park by the roadside

pond A in Canal Park

pond B in Canal Park

pond C in Canal Park

List of Dragonflies and Damselflies of Canal Park, Setia Alamsari

Family Lestidae 

1 Lestes decipiens

Family Coenagrionidae

2 Agriocnemis femina

3 Ceriagrion cerinorubellum

4 Ischnura senegalensis

5 Pseudagrion rubriceps

Family Gomphidae

6 Ictinogomphus decoratus

Family Libellulidae

7 Acisoma panorpoides

8 Aethriamanta gracilis

9 Brachydiplax chalybea

10 Brachythemis contaminata

11 Crocothemis servilia

12 Diplacodes trivialis

13 Neurothemis fluctuans

14 Orthetrum sabina

15 Orthetrum testaceum

16 Potamarcha congener

17 Pseudothemis jorina

18 Rhyothemis variegata phyllis

19 Tramea transmarina

20 Trithemis aurora

21 Urothemis signata

Dragonflying at Putrajaya Wetland Park

Dragonflying at Putrajaya Wetland Park

I visited to Putrajaya Wetland Park on 4 July 2026 for dragonflying. I spotted 24 species of odonates. Diplacodes nebulosa was everywhere at the park. Trithemis pallidinervis was also present in a good number. Access to Putrajaya Wetland Park is free, and plenty of parking spaces are provided (free as well).

Please take note that Perbandanan Putrajaya just came up a few days ago with new guideline on photography activity at Parks in Putrajaya (including Putrajaya Wetland Park):

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1462995939203404&set=p.1462995939203404&type=3

some aquatic habitat shots of Putrajaya Wetland Park

Here is the Odonata checklist for Putrajaya Wetland Park:

Family Lestidae

1 Lestes decipiens

Family Coenagrionidae

2 Agriocnemis femina

3 Ceriagrion cerinorubellum

4 Ischnura senegalensis

5 Pseudagrion australasiae

6 Pseudagrion siamense

Family Gomphidae

7 Ictinogomphus decoratus

Family Libellulidae

8 Acisoma panorpoides

9 Aethriamanta brevippenis

10 Aethriamanta gracilis

11 Brachydiplax chalybea

12 Brachythemis contaminata

13 Crocothemis servilia

14 Diplacodes nebulosa

15 Indothemis limbata

16 Neurothemis fluctuans

17 Orthetrum chrysis

18 Orthetrum sabina 

19 Rhodothemis rufa

20 Rhyothemis triangularis

21 Rhyothemis variegata phyllis

22 Trithemis aurora

23 Trithemis pallidinervis

24 Urothemis signata

Dragonflying at the Pond Next to Kajang 2 KTM Station

A small pond is located next to the parking area of Kajang 2 KTM Station, Kajang, Selangor. The water edge length of the pond is about 200 m. I did dragonfly watching at the pond on 6-10 June 2026. To my surprise, 28 Odonata species (8 damselfly species and 20 dragonfly species) were recorded at the small pond. Interesting species spotted were Anax guttatus, Camacinia gigantea, Indothemis carnatica, Diplacodes nebulosa, Ceriagrion auranticum and Aciagrion borneense. 

 

top image is the overview of the small pond; bottom image is the Google map of the pond

Odonata species recorded

Family Lestidae

1 Lestes decipiens

Family Coenagrionidae

2 Aciagrion borneense

3 Agriocnemis femina

4 Ceriagrion auranticum

5 Ceriagrion cerinorubellum

6 Ischnura senegalensis

7 Pseudagrion australasiae

8 Pseudagrion siamense

Family Aeshnidae

9 Anax guttatus

Family Gomphidae

10 Ictinogomphus decoratus

Family Libellulidae

11 Acisoma panorpoides

12 Brachydiplax chalybea

13 Camacinia gigantea

14 Crocothemis servilia

15 Diplacodes nebulosa

16 Diplacodes trivialis

17 Hydrobasileus croceus

18 Indothemis carnatica

19 Neurothemis fluctuans

20 Orthetrum sabina 

21 Orthetrum testaceum

22 Pantala flavescens

23 Potamarcha congener

24 Rhyothemis triangularis

25 Rhyothemis variegata phyllis

26 Tholymis tillarga

27 Tramea transmarina

28 Urothemis signata

P/S: 

I did again the Odonata survey at the pond  on 13 June 2026. Surprisingly, 6 more additional species are spotted, i.e. Aethriamanta brevippenis, Aethriamanta gracilis, Indothemis carnatica, Nannophya pygmaea, Orthetrum chrysis and Rhodothemis rufa. Now, a total of 34 Odonata species have been spotted at the pond.

Dragonflying at Denai Sungai Kebangsaan @ JPS Hulu Langat

I did an Odonata survey along Denai Sungai Kebangsaan @ JPS Hulu Langat (or known as Denai Sungai Langat) in Bandar Baru Seksyen 3, Selangor (Figure 1) on 11 April 2026, from10 am to 1 pm. The Denai is easily accessed by Persairan Universiti, the road from Bandar Baru Bangi heading to the main entrance of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The length of the whole Denai (from point A to point B; Figure 1) is roughly 3 km, and it is facilitated by tarred walkway (actually it is a cycling track). The walkway is just along the river bank. The start point of the Denai (point A; Figure 2; 2°55'35"N 101°46'32"E) is next to Persairan Universiti. A small parking space is available at the start point of the Denai (Figure 2). Point A oversees the pond at Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 3.The end of the Denai is a dead end (point B; see Figure 3; 2°57'10"N 101°47'6"). A nice open marsh (point C; Figure 4; 2°56'10"N 101°46'50"E) is located about 600 m from the start point, and it is a nice spot to watch dragonflies. A few chairs and a hut are erected along the walkway for visitors (Figures 7 & 8). Fishing enthusiasts frequent the Denai to fish at Sungai Langat. The Denai is also frequented by cyclists. In the 3-hour of survey, I manage to spot 14 species Odonata species, 1 was damselfly and 13 were dragonflies. Most of the odonates were spotted at the marsh (point C).  

Here are the Odonata species spotted during the field survey along the Denai on 11 April 2026

Family Coenagrionidae

Ischnura sengalensis

Family Libellulidae

Acisoma panorpoides

Aethriamanta gracilis

Brachydiplax chalybea

Crocothemis servilia

Hydrobasileus croceus

Neurothemis fluctuans

Orthetrum chrysis

Orthetrum sabina

Orthetrum testaceum

Pantala flavescens

Rhyothemis triangularis

Rhyothemis variegata phyllis

Tramea transmarina

Figure 1. Google map showing the location of Denai Kebangsaan @ JPS Hulu Langat

Figure 2. The start point of the Denai (point A; see Figure 1)

Figure 3. The end point of the Denai (point B; see Figure 1)

Figure 4. Open marsh (point C; see Figure 1) by the walkway 

Figure 5. A river monitoring station by the walkway 

Figure 6. A section of the walkway 

Figure 7. A stone chair by the walkway

Figure 8. A resting hut  by the walkway

Figure 9. Sungai Langat

Dragonflying at Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 3

I did an Odonata survey at a pond in Bandar Baru Seksyen 3, Selangor (GPS coordinate: 2°56'0"N 101°46'28") on 4 April 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm. The weather was good during the field survey. The pond is located next to Sungai Langat, and it is easily accessed by Persairan Universiti, the road from Bandar Baru Bangi heading to the main entrance of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Figure 1). The pond is well vegetated with one side faced by the beautiful residence houses (Figure 2). Another corner of the pond faces Persiaran Universiti (Figure 3). Basically, you are able to view one corner of the pond from Persiaran Universiti (on the traffic from Bandar Baru Bangi to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia main entrance). The pond is frequented by visitors for fishing (Figure 4). Next to the pond is a spacious parking are (Figure 5). Walking down from the parking area is kid playground (Figure 6). Walking further from the kid playground is the beautiful pond. I manage to spot 12 species Odonata species, 3 were damselflies and 9 were dragonflies. Brachythemis contaminata, Crocothemis servilia and Acisoma panorpoides were spotted in abundance during the field survey.  

Here are the Odonata species spotted during the field survey at the pond on 4 April 2026

Family Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis femina

Ceriagrion auranticum

Ischnura senegalensis

Family Libellulidae

Acisoma panorpoides

Aethriamanta gracilis

Brachydiplax chalybea

Brachythemis contaminata

Crocothemis servilia

Hydrobasileus croceus

Neurothemis fluctuans

Rhyothemis triangularis

Rhyothemis variegata phyllis

Figure 1. Google map showing the location (marked with a blue asterisk) of the pond at Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 3

Figure 2. Panoramic view of the pond (one section) at Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 3

Figure 3. Another section of the pond at Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 3. The far end structure is the bridge of Persairan Universiti.

Figure 4. A guy is fishing at the pond

Figure 5. A spacious parking area (free parking) next to the pond

Figure 6. A kid playground next to the pond 

Dragonflying at Sungai Durian, Lintang, Perak

Sungai Durian flows through Kampung Sungai Durian, Lintang, Perak. The Perak state government develops an ecotourism project at Kampung Sungai Durian - Lata Gerik Kampung Sungai Durian. One of the attractions to Lata Gerik Kampung Sungai Durian is the Sungai Durian (see the photos below). The water of the stream is clean. I visited to Lata Gerik Kampung Sungai Durian on 19 February 2026 to survey the Odonata. I managed to record 26 species of Odonota (11 species are damselflies and 15 species are dragonflies) at Lata Gerik Kampung Sungai Durian (see the species list below).

Photos of Sungai Durian

Odonata species list of Lata Gerik Kampung Sungai Durian (recorded on 19 February 2026)

Damselflies

Argiocnemis rubesences

Copera marginipes

Dysphaea dimidiata

Heliocypha perforata

Libellago lineata

Mortonagrion aborense

Neurobasis chinesis

Prodasineura humeralis

Pseudagrion pruinosum

Pseudocopera ciliata

Vestalis amoena

Dragonflies

Acisoma panorpoides

Cratilla metallica

Lathrecista asiatica

Megalogomphus sumatranus

Neurothemis fluctuans

Neurothemis fulvia

Onychothemis culminicola

Orthetrum chrysis

Orthetrum luzonicum

Orthetrum testaceum

Tetrathemis hyalina

Tetrathemis platyptera

Trithemis aurora

Trithemis festiva

Zygonyx iris

Survey of Odonata at Tropicana Heights, Kajang - Part II

Earlier (6 February 2005) , I did an Odonata survey at the retention pond at Tropicana Heights, Kajang, Selangor (click here to see the species list from the survey). Later on, I surveyed again the pond on 22 February 2025, 1 June 2025, 7 July 2025 and 6 November 2025. A few species have been added to the initial species list. Here is the latest species list for the retention pond at Tropicana Heights Kajang. 

Family Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis femina

Ischnura senegalensis

Pseudagrion microcephalum

Pseudagrion rubriceps

Family Gomphidae

Ictionogomphus decoratus

Family Libellulidae

Acisoma panorpoides

Aethriamanta gracilis

Brachydiplax chalybea

Brachythemis contaminata

Crocothemis servilia

Diplacodes nebulosa

Diplacodes trivialis

Hydrobasileus croceus

Indothemis limbata

Neurothemis fluctuans

Orthetrum sabina

Potamarcha congener

Pseudothemis jorina

Rhodothemis rufa

Rhyothemis phyllis

Rhyothemis triangularis

Tholymis tillarga

Trithemis aurora

Urothemis signata

Zyxomma petiolatum

Survey of Odonata at Precinct 2, Kajang 2 - Part II

I did an Odonata survey earlier (2 September 2025; click here to view the post of the survey) at the resident park of Precinct 2, Kajang 2. Later on, I visited again the park on 16 September 2025 (late morning) and 5 November 2025 (late afternoon) to check up the Odonata. A few Odonata species have been added to the initial list. Here is the latest Odonata species list for the resident park of Precinct 2, Kajang 2:

Family Coenagrionidae

Ischnura senegalensis

Pseudagrion microcephalum

Family Gomphidae

Ictinogomphus decoratus

Family Libellulidae

Acisoma panorpoides

Brachydiplax chalybea

Brachythemis contaminata

Crocothemis servilia

Diplacodes trivialis

Neurothemis fluctuans

Orthetrum sabina

Orthetrum testaceum

Potamarcha congener

Tholymis tillarga

the view of the resident park of Precinct 2, Kajang 2, Selangor on 5 November 2025 at late afternoon

Survey of Odonata at the Haven Ipoh

I stayed at the Haven Ipoh, Tambun, Perak on 8-10 October 2025 for a meeting. The hotel is located next to a limestone outcrop, and the foothill of the limestone outcrop has a beautiful lake. So, I spend some time to survey the dragonflies and damselflies at the lake during my stay at the hotel. A total of 11 dragonfly/damselfly species were observed - three were damselflies and eight were dragonflies. Here is the checklist of the species for the Haven Ipoh:

Family Platycnemididae

Copera marginipes 

Prodasineura humeralis 

Family Coenagrionidae

Pseudagrion microcephalum 

Family Gomphidae

Ictinogomphus decoratus melaenops 

Family Libellulidae

Brachythemis contaminata 

Chalybeothemis chini

Neurothemis fluctuans 

Orthetrum testaceum 

Pseudothemis jorina 

Tetrathemis hyalina 

Trithemis aurora 

Pseudagrion microcephalum, Prodasineura humeralis, Brachythemis contaminata and Neurothemis fluctuans were found in abundant at the lake. The interesting species observed from the lake is Chalybeothemis chini.

the limestone outcrop next to the Haven Ipoh

the beautiful lake with good walking facility

Survey of Odonata at Precinct 2, Kajang 2

There is a nice resident park at Precinct 2, Bandar Kajang 2, Kajang. The park has a nice pond well management by the developer of township of Precinct 2 Kajang 2. A jogging track is constructed aroung the pond. Apart from that, some exercise devices are also seen at one spot at the park. I did a quick Odonata survey at the pond on 2 September 2025 in the late morning. A total of nine species of Odonata were recorded - one was damselflies and eight were dragonflies. They were just very common pond species.

Google Map showing the location of the resident park in Precinct 2, Kajang 2

the whole view of the resident park from the ground

the walking bridge at the pond of the resident park

Here is the Odonata species list for the pond:

Family Coenagrionidae

Ischnura senegalensis

Family Gomphidae

Ictinogomphus decoratus

Family Libellulidae

Acisoma panorpoides

Brachydiplax chalybea

Brachythemis contaminata

Crocothemis servilia

Diplacodes trivialis

Neurothemis fluctuans

Orthetrum sabina

Scientific Expedition of Melaka Forests

I joined the Scientific Expedition of Melaka Forest 2025 organized by Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Melaka and Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia on 22-26 June 2025. The expedition covered three forest reserves - Hutan Simpan Bukit Sedanan, Hutan Simpan Bukit Senggeh and Hutan Simpan Batang Melaka. The basecamp of the expedition was located at Taman Negeri Melaka Bukit Sedanan.

the basecamp at Taman Negeri Melaka Bukit Sedanan

a nice lake (ex-sand mining lake) at Taman Negeri Melaka Bukit Sedanan

Scientific Expedition to the Royal Tiger Reserve, Pahang

It was a privilege for me to join the Scientific Expedition of Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve in the state of Pahang on 10-16 May 2025. The expedition was organized by Perbadanan Taman Negeri Pahang in cooperation with Enggang Management Service. The expedition was joined by over 30 researchers for various institutions. The expedition was assisted by local field guides and boatmen from Kampung Bukit Mat Daling.

We were at the jetty of Kampung Bukit Mat Daling, setting off to the base camp in the Tiger Reserve. The boat journey from the jetty to the base camp took almost 2 hours on Sungai Tembeling.

Travelling at boat along Sungai Tembeling to the base camp in the Tiger Reserve was exciting and fun.

The base camp was located by Sungai Tembeling at Kuala Sungai Lurut.

Survey of Odonata at Tropicana Heights, Kajang

Tropicana Heights, Kajang has a retention pond. The pond is well managed by the Tropicana Developer, and it is to public. A walk path is available around the pond for public to have a nice walk. I did an Odonata survey at the pond on 6 February 2025. A total of 20 species of Odonata were recorded - 4 are damselflies and 16 are dragonflies. Brachythemis contaminata and Crocothemis servilia were found in abundant there. I was delighted to see Indothemis limbata (only a few individuals) there.

a Google map showing the location of the retention pond at Tropicana Heights, Kajang

Below are a few pictures showing the condition of the retention pond: 

Here is the Odonata species list for the retention pond:

Family Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis femina

Ischnura senegalensis

Pseudagrion microcephalum

Pseudagrion rubriceps

Family Libellulidae

Acisoma panorpoides

Aethriamanta gracilis

Brachydiplax chalybea

Brachythemis contaminata

Crocothemis servilia

Diplacodes nebulosa

Diplacodes trivialis

Hydrobasileus croceus

Indothemis limbata

Neurothemis fluctuans

Orthetrum sabina

Potamarcha congener

Pseudothemis jorina

Rhyothemis phyllis

Tholymis tillarga

Urothemis signata

Here are some Odonata photos taken at the retention pond:

Acisoma panorpoides - male

Aethriamanta gracilis - male

Brachythemis contaminata - male

Crocothemis servilia - male

Indothemis limbata - male

Potamarcha congener - male

Agriocnemis femina - male

Ischnura senegalensis - male

Pseudagrion microcephalum - male

Pseudagrion rubriceps - male