| Aristocypha fenestrella (Rambur,
1842) is a beautiful damselfly which is widely distributed in the tropical
and subtropical parts of south and east Asia, with records from Myanmar
to south China and Vietnam, and the Malay Peninsular. Records from Hainan
have recently been shown to refer to a separate species. It inhabits clear,
swift forest streams with lots of boulders.
The male is simply beautiful. Yellow
stripes on thorax, whitish appearance in legs, iridescent violet strikes
on wings. Once it is fully mature, it has lots of metallic colouration
to its wings. Sometimes, a green tinge when younger which goes more of
a blue/purple as it matures. They really are beautiful to look at. Not
surprising, really, that its nickname is Peacock Jewel. The female is far
less interesting to look at and is dull in comparison. The females are
often confused with other similar species, but the markings on the female
are quite distinct and also, the wings are brown in colour.
This is a widespread species throughout
southern Asia, with no known major widespread threats. It is therefore
assessed by IUCN Red List as Least Concern.
References:
http://thaiodonata.blogspot.com/2011/02/rhinocypha-fenestrella-fenestrella.html
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/167409/0
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