Photographs

Malayan Lily-Squatter (Paracercion malayanum) (male)

Flora & Fauna

The male Paracercion malayanum is a blue-and-black damselfly. But young males of Paracercion malayanum are reported to be lighter blue compared with the older ones, and so colour may not be a reliable means of distinguishing the species. Female Paracercion malayanum are similar to the males, with the blue being mostly replaced with greenish yellow. However, the sides of the thorax and abdomen seem to be light blue, this colour showing quite clearly in good light. The common name of the species is derived from the habit of this damselfly of sitting on lily pads. This habit is indicative, but I have seen even other damselfies ‘lily-squatting’.