Dragonfly species change color as adults

Wild Animal Protection (WAR) announced the discovery of a new species of dragonfly for Vietnam, Melaleuca dragonfly (Aethriamanta aethra). This species was recorded during the survey in U Minh Thuong National Park, March 3, 2011 by WAR.

Males and females of this species have different colors. Adult males are charcoal-purple alternating with black while females are straw-colored with black patches on their backs. The immature male is pale yellow before turning into a dark purple charcoal. This species is found in the wetlands of U Minh Thuong National Park .

Immature male species Melaleuca dragonfly

Adult males are Melaleuca species

Adult female species of Melaleuca dragonfly

The survey was conducted by Do Manh Cuong (IUCN dragonfly conservation specialist in Vietnam) and Bui Huu Manh (WAR biologist and conservation expert) under the support of the National Park. Gia U Minh Thuong.

This finding suggests that there are still many undiscovered new dragonflies in the southern wetlands. Previously Melaleuca dragonfly was only recorded in some countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia .