When we drive around the plantation, I am always struck by the sheer number of dragonflies. Enormous ebony ones soar over the replanting areas, while smaller blood-red and bright crimson ones perch on ferns at the edge of older plantations, only taking off as the car goes past. Perhaps most obvious and impressive species is one that can be found in huge numbers along the roads, hovering in swarms and chasing each other like swifts along the plantation tracks. They are also particularly easily to identify because the bases of their wings are striped gaudy black and yellow, the colour of a 1980s leotard. These are Rhyothemis phyllis a common species of open habitats. With their engaging behaviour and bright colours, they demonstrate beyond doubt that being widespread doesn’t stop a species from being fascinating and beautiful.
Rhyothemis phyllis specimen