| Trithemis festiva (Rambur, 1842),
the Indigo Dropwing, is a tropical Asian species in the family of Libellulidae.
Medium size, length 35-41mm. In size and behaviour it's quite similar to
the more widely distributed Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata), but its
habitat preference and looks are very different; the species clearly prefers
running rather than still waters and males can typically be seen resting
on rocks or stream-side vegetation, guarding their territories. Mature
male Trithemis festiva are entirely dark (i.e. dark blue rather than black)
overlaid with a fine whitish pruinescence. Young males look similar to
females, sporting extensive yellow patches on their abdomen. In addition,
females especially often have dark patches at the wing tips and lack the
amber spot at the base of their hindwings which typifies T. annulata females.
Abundant, widely distribute in sluggish
streams with strong current throughout tropical Asia, including Afghanistan,
Borneo, Burma, Cambodia, China (including Taiwan), India, Indonesia, Iraq,
Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Sri
Lanka and Vietnam, also can be found Iraq, Iran, Southern Turkey, Cyprus,
Greek island of Rhodes.
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