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Friday, April 18, 2014

Euphaea masoni Selys, 1879

This species is close to E. guerini and E. hirita, three species are very similar in external structure generally. The damselflies had been mixed with E. guerini as same species but now there are many evidences show that they are three distinct species. 

Similar to its two sister species, they are medium damselflies with dark colours of body and wing generally. The mainly typical characteristic of male individuals of this species is the abdomen without hair or hair stuffs in lateral view. Beside, in dorsal view or upper side of the wings of male, in sunshine and as they open their wings, the hind-wings show its iridescent red flash. Their females are not very special recognized by morphological characteristics with hyaline wings and black body with yellow-greenish markings.


This species somehow is more widespread than the others and have been found over the whole of the country. They live in clear, swift and hemi-shade streams in both disturbed and primary forests. Males protect their territory by fighting and showing their red flash hind-wings and mate with coming females, the later behaviour also use in their courtship. The females are less active and usually perch higher positions.

Male with red flash wings, photographed by Cuong Do, Phu Yen Province

Close up to the face of the male, photographed by Cuong Do, Phu Yen Province

Male with wings are close, showing the blue color of underside, photographed by Cuong Do, Quang Binh Provicne

Under the sunshine, above stream, the male look very colorful with his red wings, photographed by Cuong Do, Quang Binh Province





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