Checklist of the Odonata of Peninsular Malaysia:
With Scientific, English, and Malay names
Rosli Omar
Flora Special Interest Group, Malaysian Nature Society
23 April 2024
Abstract
A Checklist of the odonata of Peninsular Malaysian with a Malay name to each species is created. There are no Malay names to odonates except to the general Pepatung or Belalang (dragonfly) and Pepatung-jarum (damselfly). The aim was to create the Malay names in a systematic manner and that from the names, relationship between species could be known as to family, subfamily, or genus, if such a relationship exist. This Malay names odonata Checklist is a first for Peninsular Malaysia. In the interest of brevity, it is recommended that “belalang” be used for dragonfly and “pepatung” for damselfly instead of “pepatung” or “belalang” for dragonfly and “pepatung-jarum” for damselfly.
KEYWORDS
Odonata Checklist Peninsular Malaysia. Odonata Malay names. Systematic Malay naming. Family relationship between species.
Introduction
This checklist consists of scientific, English, and Malay (Bahasa Melayu) names. In total there are 247 species from 17 families for Peninsular Malaysia, 99 damselflies and 148 dragonflies. The checklist is first compiled from the scientific names following Orr (2005) with 229 species, and then complimented by Choong et al. (2018) with a further three species. Then combing the MyBIS (Malaysia Biodiversity Information System) database of odonates netted a further 30 species and one journal (obtaining one species, Phyllothemis raymondi). A review of this Checklist by Dr Choong Chee Yen formerly of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia obtains the final tally mentioned above. The scientific names are listed in approximately phylogenetic order as mentioned by Orr for his list.
Orr does not provide English names. They are obtained from MyBIS (if available), iNaturalist (if available), occasionally from GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and other internet sources. There may be several names for a species. And there are those without any English names.
There are no odonata Malay names in MyBIS or in the Wildlife Conservation Act (amended 2012 ̶ AGC 2012).
Objectives of creating Malay names for the odonata of Peninsular Malaysian
- The main objective is to provide a Malay name in a systematic manner to each species of odonata in Peninsular Malaysia i.e., creating a Malay names Checklist of odonata of the Peninsula.
- To create a name for each species such that a relationship, if there is one, to other species can immediately be seen from the name. The relationship is that of family, subfamily, genus or related genera.
Creating the Malay Names Checklist
Note that the proposed Malay names, like English names, are only to the species and not to the subspecies level as in scientific names.
The Malay names are basically adapted from the English. There are two methods to create the Malay names.
Method 1: <Family name><Group name><Specific name>
Method 2: <Group name><Subgroup name><Specific name>
Method 1. This is used when a Malay family name can be created, either adapted from the English family name or invented, for a given scientific family. The idea is that, from the Malay name, immediately the family, and (possibly) the genus or genera (the group name) is known.
Method 2. This is used when there is no English family name or one cannot be invented for the Malay family name, for a given scientific family. Instead, there are several ‘groups’ listed for the family. From the created Malay name, the genus or related genera can be known and (possibly) the subgroup.
Family name. There are ten families for Zygoptera (damselflies or pepatung-jarum in Malay), and seven for Anisoptera (dragonflies or pepatung in Malay). Most scientific families have at least one English family name, for example, the family Calopterygidae is Broadwinged damselflies, adapted as Pepatung-jarum Sayaplebar. For those families without English names, one is created for its Malay family name, e.g, Chlorogompidae, is given the family name Raja (king). Thus, Method 1 can be used. Family Platycnemididae has two groups (White-legged and Threadtail Damselflies) and thus Method 2 is chosen.
Group name. This is based on the genus or closely linked genera with a common English ‘group name’. For example, the genera Pseudagrion, and Archibasis (family, Coenagrionidae – Narrow-winged damselflies, Pepatung-jarum Sayaptirus) are peri, for sprite (nymph or fairy), because they are both sprites. Then, for example,
Pseudagrion rubriceps, Orange-faced Sprite, is Sayaptirus Peri Muka-oren,
and
Archibasis rebeccae, Rebecca’s Sprite, is Sayaptirus Peri Kecil.
Species without English names but in-between two species with a common English group name are also given the same Malay group name (since they are arranged taxonomically). For example, Archibasis incisura, which is in-between the above two species is Sayaptirus Peri Biru-muda (for its colour).
Subgroup name. The family Platycnemididaedoes not have an English family name. Instead, it has two named groups, White-legged and Threadtail, adapted as Kakiputih and Ekorlembar respectively. Thus Method 2 is chosen with each heading its respective group name. For Kakiputih it has several subgroups. For example, Black Marsh Dart, Onychargia atrocyana, is Kakiputih Rawa Hitam where Rawa is the subgroup to represent that it is a marsh species. Ekorlembar has no subgroups.
Specific name. This is based on some specific characteristic of the species, e.g., colour. Or where it was discovered, the type locality (TL, where the formally described specimen was taken). For example, in the above Sayaptirus Peri Muka-oren, the specific name Muka-oren is because of its orange face.
Full method name or simplified?
The two naming methods with three components to a Malay name is a general naming form. If a species can be specified without requiring all three components then it can be simplified. For example, Gomphidictinus perakensis has no English name. To give its Malay name, ‘perakensis’ is used, i.e., Ekorbelantan Perak, Ekorbelantan for its family name, Gomphidae, the Clubtails. Given that it’s the only Gomphidictinus species with no other same Malay name this binary name is enough. People generally prefer brevity in names.
In a family with many species, using all three components may be unavoidable. It is a good idea too for a genus with many species to include the group name. For example, the family Libellulidae and the genus Neurothemis, with six species. This is of the English family Skimmer or Percher adapted as Penyiring and the Parasol genus group adapted as Payung. Then, say, Neurothemis fluctuans, Common Parasol, is Penyiring Payung Biasa, and Neurothemis disparilis (no English name) is Penyiring Payung Jarang ̶ Jarang since the species is very rare.
In the case of the familyDevadattidaewith its sole species Devadatta argyoides (no English family name), a unique name is easily created. In this case we adapt from the English, Malayan Grisette, as Gadis Desa.
A renaming recommendation: A Malay name may have three components. In the case of damselflies, when we add Pepaptung-jarum to it, it will be quite a mouthful. We would like to suggest that dragonfly be “belalang” and damselfly be “pepatung”. See also issues of “brevity” and “clunkiness” below. From here on we will use this renaming.
General naming guidelines
- Consistency. A consequence of our naming method is the need for consistency in the Malay naming. If a species belongs to a particular family then the “head” name of the species follows that of the given Malay family name. If a genus has a given group name then all species of this genus must have the group name as the “head” of its Malay name.
- Brevity. As indicated above, a shorter name is preferable than a longer one even if longer means more informative. Although the latter can be considered if the information is significant.
- Avoiding clunkiness. We try to prevent clunkiness to the names given that already a name (generally) consists of three components. Thus, pre- and postfixes (Ber, Ter, Kan etc) are not used except when the names sound awkward without them.
- Limited use of ‘common’ but use of ‘rare’. We generally do not use ‘Common’ in English names since a species may be common in its original place of discovery (Type Locality, TL) or is no longer common. When it is used it is often to distinguish between species, say between common and rare species. We do use ‘rare’ or Jarang in Malay for rare species since it is quite unlikely for them to turn common in the future.
- Use and non-use of the hyphen. The hyphen is used to indicate that two or more items are an item. This is useful to ensure that the maximum number of components in a name is three. We also use the hyphen to distinguish between group names. For the family name we don’t use the hyphen when combining two (or possibly more) words. For example, the family Calopterygidae or Broadwinged damselflies, is adapted as Sayaplebar, and not, say, Sayap-lebar. This helps too to distinguish family names from group names.
- Non-use of people’s name. Following the American Ornithological Society’s decision (AOS 2023) to change bird names named after people we have decided not to use human names in our Malay naming.
Abbreviations used in the Checklist below:
Habitat
F – Forest (generally, shaded)
FE – Forest Edge/Clearing
M – Mangroves
OC – Open Country, Villages, Parks
Rarity
L – Local
A – Abundant
C – Common
Fc – Fairly Common
Lc – Locally Common
Uc – Uncommon
R – Rare
IUCN Red list category:
DD – Data Deficient
LC – Least Concern
NT – Near Threatened
VU – Vulnerable
EN – Endangered
CR – Critically Endangered
EW – Extinct in the wild
EX – Extinct
(VU, EN, CR – threatened category)
General Abbreviations:
Ab – Abdomen
Esp – Especially
Fe – Female
M – Male
HW – Hind wing
PM – Peninsular Malaysia
+ – a species added to the original list – Orr (2005) plus Choong et al. (2018)
< – Less than
> – Greater than
The Odonata Checklist for Peninsular Malaysia with Scientific, English, and Malay names
| Scientific name | English name | Malay name | Notes | |
| Sub-order: Zygoptera (Damselflies) | Pepatung | |||
| Family: Devadattidae | ||||
| 1 | Devadatta argyoides | Malayan Grisette | Gadis Desa | Lc. F small streams, marshy springs <1600m. HW M 27.5mm. LC |
| Family: Calopterygidae | Broadwinged Damselflies | Pepatung Sayaplebar | ||
| 2 | Echo modesta | White-faced Clearwing | Sayaplebar Jelas Muka-putih | Lc. F small clear streams <1300m. HW M 34-38mm. LC |
| 3 | Neurobasis chinensis | Common Green Metalwing | Sayaplebar Logam Hijau | C. F open clear swift streams <1300m. HW M 34mm. LC |
| 4 | Neurobasis longipes | Long-legged Metalwing | Sayaplebar Logam Kaki-panjang | Uc. F lowland Kelantan, Pahang. HW M 31mm. LC |
| 5 | Vestalis gracilis | Clear-winged Flashwing | Sayaplebar Kilat Jelas | Slow wooded streams, <1000m, in the north. HW M 35 mm. LC |
| 6 | Vestalis amoena | Charming Flashwing | Sayaplebar Kilat Menawan | C, clear F streams <700m. HW M 34mm. LC |
| 7 | Vestalis amethystina | Common Flashwing | Sayaplebar Kilat | Lc, small streams, F <700m. HW Fe 34mm. LC |
| Family: Chlorocyphidae | Jewel Damselflies | Pepatung Permata | ||
| 8 | Libellago lineata | Golden Jewel | Permata Emas | C, lowland OC & alluvial swampy F. HW`M 17mm Fe 19mm. LC |
| 9 | Libellago stigmatizans | Orange-faced Jewel | Permata Muka-oren | Lc, sporadic, lowland F. HW M 17mm. LC |
| 10 | Libellago aurantiaca | Fiery Jewel | Permata Menyala | C? Sluggish brooks, quiet parts of fast streams. Lowland. HW M 16mm. LC |
| 11 | Libellago semiopaca | Yellow Jewel | Permata Kuning | Uc. F clear fast streams to open muddy rivers around fallen logs. HW M 15mm. LC |
| 12 | Libellago hyalina | Clearwing Jewel | Permata Sayap-jelas | Lc, slow streams. Lowland esp swamp F. HW M 18mm. LC |
| 13 | Heliocypha biforata Or Rhinocypha biforata | Magenta-backed Jewel | Permata Magenta | Streams to broad rivers. HW M 24mm. LC |
| 14 | Heliocypha perforata Or Rhinocypha perforata | Common Blue Jewel | Permata Biru | Habitat as H. biforata but faster streams, more exposed. HW M 23mm. LC |
| 15 | Aristocypha fenestrella Or Rhinocypha fenestrella | Peacock Jewel | Permata Merak | F. Clear fast streams <1700m. HW M 25mm. LC |
| 16 | Rhinocypha pelops | (No English name) | Permata Perak | R. Small streams, F. Only Perak at 850m (+ Tmn Negara 2018). HW M 24mm. NT |
| 17 | Sundacypha petiolata | Sunda Jewel | Permata Sunda | Slow alluvial brooks, clear swift lowland F streams. HW M 21mm. LC |
| Family: Euphaeidae | Gossamerwing Damselflies | Pepatung Sayaphalus | ||
| 18 | Dysphaea dimidiata | Black Velvetwing | Sayaphalus Baldu Hitam | Lowland F. Prefer clear streams and rivers, sunlit. HW M 31mm. LC |
| 19 | Euphaea ochracea | 1.Red Gossamerwing 2.Ochraceous Darkie | Sayaphalus Merah | Lc. Fast F streams <1000m. HW M 26mm. LC |
| 20 | Euphaea impar | 1.Dark-tipped Gossamerwing 2.Blue-sided Satinwing | Sayaphalus Ujung-gelap | C in slow F streams, Uc in swampy & fast F streams. HW M 25mm. LC |
| 21 | Euphaea masoni | (No English name) | Sayaphalus Gelap | R? Streams. SE Asia. Little info. Not in AG Orr. LC |
| Family: Lestidae | Spreadwing Damselflies | Pepatung Sayaptebar | ||
| + 22 | Indolestes anomalus | (No English name) | Sayaptebar Pos-Terisu | Sp added on information by Dr Choong. Discovered in Sungai Pos Terisu, Pahang. |
| 23 | Lestes praemorsus | 1.Crenulated Spreadwing 2.Scalloped Spreadwing | Sayaptebar Taksekata | C in lowland swamps & drains, esp disturbed habitats. HW M 21mm. LC |
| 24 | Lestes praecellens | (No English name) | Sayaptebar Putih | R, local. Swampy F lowland. HW M 23-24mm. VU |
| 25 | Lestes dorothea | (No English name) | Sayaptebar Besar | Uc. Lowland drains & swamps. HW M 26-28mm. LC |
| 26 | Orolestes wallacei | 1.Great Spreadwing 2.Wallace’s Spreadwing | Sayaptebar Gergasi | Lc. Swampy F. HW M 32mm. LC |
| 27 | Platylestes heterostylus | (No English name) | Sayaptebar Bintik-hitam | R, local. Open & F swamps. HW M 21mm. DD |
| Family: Philosinidae | Pepatung Ekorisyarat | Family suggested by Dr Choong | ||
| 28 | Rhinagrion macrocephalum | Western Signaltail | Ekorisyarat Lembayung | Uc. Lowland F. Small fast streams. At times with R. mima. HW M 20-21mm. LC |
| 29 | Rhinagrion viridatum | (No English name) | Ekorisyarat Oren | Little info. Not in AG Orr. LC. But previously R. mima’s (note 4 below) info is: Lc. F. Small streams. Lowland to hill country. HW M 20-22mm. LC |
| Family: Argiolestidae | Flatwing Damselflies | Pepatung Sayapdatar | Family suggested by Dr Choong | |
| 30 | Podolestes orientalis | 1.Blue-spotted Flatwing 2.Common Phantom | Sayapdatar Tompok-biru | Lc. Lowland swamp F. Small streams, rivulets, puddles. Outspread wings. HW M 28mm. LC |
| 31 | Podolestes buwaldai | Buwalda’s Flatwing | Sayapdatar Gelap | R, local. Lowland swamp F. South PM? HW M 22mm. NT |
| Family: Platystictidae | Shadowdamsel Damselflies | Pepatung Perawan | ||
| 32 | Protosticta foersteri | Foerster’s Shadowdamsel | Perawan Rimba | R, local, endemic. Deep F. HW M 18mm. DD |
| + 33 | Protosticta curiosa | (No English name) | Perawan Burma | Not in AG Orr. Little info. LC TL: Mergui, Lower Burma |
| 34 | Drepanosticta pan | (No English name) | Perawan Perak | R, endemic, Perak. F small streams <600m. HW M 20mm. DD |
| 35 | Drepanosticta silenus | (No English name) | Perawan Gunung | R, endemic. F montane. Springs, tiny streams. HW M 20mm. DD |
| 36 | Drepanosticta marsyas | (No English name) | Perawan Kecil | R, endemic, F montane. HW M 18.5mm. EN |
| 37 | Drepanosticta hamadryas | (No English name) | Perawan Jarang | Endemic. Lowland to montane. Springs, streams. HW M 21.5mm. DD |
| 38 | Drepanosticta fontinalis | (No English name) | Perawan Mata-air | Endemic. Commonest of the genus. F <900m, springs & streams. HW M 24mm. LC |
| 39 | Drepanosticta quadrata | Peninsular Shadowdamsel | Perawan Semenanjung | Habitat same as D. fontinalis. HW M 21mm. NT |
| 40 | Drepanosticta sharpi | (No English name) | Perawan Tembaga | R. F <800m. Small streams. HW M 24mm. LC |
| 41 | Drepanosticta berinchangensis | (No English name) | Perawan Brinchang | R, endemic Cameron Highlands only. F, montane. HW M 25mm. DD |
| + 42 | Drepanosticta rahmani | (No English name) | Perawan Kedah | R, endemic? Not in AG Or. Litte info. Steep hill stream. DD |
| Family: Coenagrionidae | Narrow-winged damselflies | Pepatung Sayaptirus | ||
| 43 | Ceriagrion cerinorubellum | 1.Ornate Coraltail 2. Painted Coraltail 3.Bicolored Damsel 4.Orange Tailed Marsh Dart | Sayaptirus Rawa Ekor-oren | C. OC, urban gardens, swampy FE. Ponds, drains. HW M 17mm. LC |
| 44 | Ceriagrion fallax pendleburyi | Black-tailed Marsh Dart | Sayaptirus Rawa Ekor-hitam | Uc, local, FE of swampy hill country <1200m. HW M 20mm. LC |
| 45 | Ceriagrion olivaceum | Rusty Marsh Dart | Sayaptirus Rawa Karat | Commoner in the north. Ponds, drains, marshes in OC, lowlands to hills. HW M 21-23mm. LC |
| 46 | Ceriagrion auranticum | Orange-tailed Sprite | Sayaptirus Rawa Oren-kecil | Open still water in disturbed areas, slow streams and drains. HW M 17mm. LC |
| 47 | Ceriagrion chaoi | Fiery Coraltail | Sayaptirus Rawa Menyala | R, local. Open habitats. HW M 16.5mm. LC |
| 48 | Ceriagrion calamineum | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Rawa Oren-besar | Lc. Ponds, drains, disturbed habitats. Bigger than C. auranticum. HW M 19mm. LC |
| + 49 | Ceriagrion praetermissum | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Rawa Kelantan | R? Not in AG Orr. LC |
| 50 | Pseudagrion microcephalum | 1.Blue Sprite 2.Blue Riverdamsel 3.Small-headed Sprite | Sayaptirus Peri Biru-kecil | C. Lakes, drains, lily ponds, slow moving water <1400m. HW M 18mm. LC |
| 51 | Pseudagrion australasiae | Look-alike Sprite | Sayaptirus Peri Biru-besar | Fc. Ponds, lakes. Similar habitats as above. HW M 20mm. LC |
| 52 | Pseudagrion williamsoni | Williamson’s Sprite | Sayaptirus Peri Kenit | Fc. Wetlands, F,FE. Still or slow streams. HW M 16.5mm. LC |
| 53 | Pseudagrion pruinosum | 1.Grey Sprite 2.Ferruginous-faced Sprite | Sayaptirus Peri Kelabu | C. Disturbed habitats esp grass-bordered streams, drains <1600m. HW M 24mm. LC |
| 54 | Pseudagrion rubriceps | Orange-faced Sprite | Sayaptirus Peri Muka-oren | Slow streams, open, degraded habitats <1000m & brackish landward mangroves. HW M 20mm. LC |
| 55 | Archibasis viola | Violet Sprite | Sayaptirus Peri Lembayung | Lowland. Small streams swamp F. HW M 23mm. LC |
| 56 | Archibasis melanocyana | 1.Blue-nosed Sprite 2.Cyan Peri | Sayaptirus Peri Hidung-biru | Habitat as A.viola. HW M 22-24mm. LC |
| 57 | Archibasis incisura | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Peri Biru-muda | Lowland. Ponds, rivulets swamp F. HW M 22-25mm. LC |
| 58 | Archibasis rebeccae | 1.Rebecca’s Sprite 2.Rebecca’s Peri | Sayaptirus Peri Kecil | PM endemic (but one record Singapore). Lowland F streams. HW M 21.5mm. NT |
| + 59 | Archibasis oscillans | Long-banded Bluetail | Sayaptirus Peri Jalur-panjang | R? Not in AG Orr. Little info. LC |
| 60 | Teinobasis ruficollis | Red-tailed Sprite | Sayaptirus Peri Ekor-merah | Local. Good secondary habitats, swamp F. HW M 19mm. NT |
| 61 | Teinobasis rajah | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Peri Rajah | Habitats similar T.ruficollis. Looks too except male appendages. HW M 19mm. LC |
| + 62 | Teinobasis cryptica | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Peri Samar | Not in AG Orr; in Dow 2010. Tiny swamp pools by small streams. Legs pale cream. LC |
| +63 | Teinobasis kirbyi | Kirby’s Fineliner | Sayaptirus Peri Jarang | R, endemic? Not in AG Orr. DD |
| 64 | Amphicnemis gracilis | Will-o-wisp | Sayaptirus Paripari Ramping | Lowland swamp F. HW M 20mm. LC |
| 65 | Amphicnemis ecornuta | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Paripari Pahang | A single specimen from lowland F Pahang. HW M 25mm. VU |
| 66 | Amphicnemis bebar | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Paripari Sungai-bebar | Not in AG Orr. Discovered Sg Bebar, Pahang. DD |
| + 67 | Amphicnemis hoisen | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Paripari Jarang | Not in AG Orr. Discovered Sg Bebar, Pahang. No observations iNaturalist. En. |
| 68 | Pericnemis stictica | Dryad | Sayaptirus Gergasi | R. F <1200m. Biggest species in the family. HW M 38mm. LC |
| 69 | Argiocnemis rubescens | 1.Red-tipped Shadefly 2.Variable Shadowfly 3.Variable Sprite | Sayaptirus Berubah | C. Clear drains, ponds, marshes at FE; swamp F <1600m. Age-related colours. HW M 17mm. LC |
| 70 | Agriocnemis femina | 1,Pin-head Midget 2.Variable Wisp 3.White-backed Wisp | Sayaptirus Kenit Putih | C. Open, disturbed habitats, still, slow waters <1600m. Age-related colours. Female polymorphic. HW M 10mm. LC |
| 71 | Agriocnemis pygmaea | 1.Wandering Midget 2.Pygmy Wisp 3.Wandering Wisp | Sayaptirus Kenit Perantau | Habitats, habits same as A.femina. HW M 11mm. LC |
| 72 | Agriocnemis nana | Lesser Blue Wisp | Sayaptirus Kenit Biru-kecil | Lowland. Open small streams, grassy marshes. One of smallest world odonates. HW M 9mm. LC |
| 73 | Agriocnemis minima | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Kenit Kecil | Local. Lowland swamp F. HW M 9mm. LC |
| 74 | Ischnura senegalensis | 1.Common Bluetail 2.Tropical Bluetail | Sayaptirus Kenit Ekor-biru | Very C. Open, disturbed habitats, still, slow waters. Female polymorphic. HW M 15mm. LC |
| 75 | Mortonagrion falcatum | Hooked Midget | Sayaptirus Kenit Cangkuk | Uc. Lowland. Marshy edges of swamp F. HW M 11.5-13.5mm. LC |
| 76 | Mortonagrion aborense | Blue Midget | Sayaptirus Kenit Biru-besar | Lc. Open country <600m. HW M 15mm. LC |
| 77 | Mortonagrion arthuri | Arthur’s Midget | Sayaptirus Kenit Bakau | Mangroves, coastal habitas. HW M 17mm. NT |
| 78 | Aciagrion borneense | (No English name) | Sayaptirus Biru Kecil | Lc. Open FE <1000m but mostly lowlands. HW M 11.5mm. LC |
| 79 | Aciagrion hisopa | Slim Blue | Sayaptirus Biru Langsing | C. Shallow weedy ponds, drains in open disturbed areas. HW M 17.5mm. LC |
| + 80 | Paracercion calamorum | Dusky Lilysquatter | Sayaptirus Utara | Recorded Kedah, Perlis, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Family: Platycnemididae | White-legged & Threadtail Damselflies | Pepatung Kakiputih & Pepatung Ekorlembar | ||
| 81 | Onychargia atrocyana | 1.Marsh Dancer 2.Black Marsh Dart | Kakiputih Rawa Hitam | (Moved here from another family.) Leafy pools & marshes in dense F <1250m & secondary growth. Perches 2-4m above ground. HW M 17mm. DD |
| 82 | Coeliccia octogesima | 1.Telephone Sylvan 2.Bracketed Sylvan | Kakiputih Rimba Telefon | Lowland F streams. Far from water. Telephone marks. HW M 22mm. LC |
| 83 | Coeliccia didyma | 1.Twin-spotted Sylvan 2.Spotted Sylvan | Kakiputih Rimba Dua-tompok | R? F. Seepages. <1000m. HW M 23mm. LC |
| 84 | Coeliccia albicauda | 1.White-tipped Sylvan 2.White-tailed Sylvan | Kakiputih Rimba Ujung-putih | Habitat similar as above, + small streams. HW M 24mm. LC |
| 85 | Coeliccia erici | (No English name) | Kakiputih Rimba Ujung-biru | R. F, 500-800m. HW M 27mm. LC |
| + 86 | Coeliccia sameerae | (No English name) | Kakiputih Rimba Taman-negara | Not in AG Orr. Kelantan, Terengganu, N Pahang. Endemic PM. VU |
| 87 | Indocnemis orang | Greater Sylvan | Kakiputih Rimba Besar | Local. F. Small streams. HW M 34mm. LC |
| 88 | Copera vittata | 1.Variable Featherleg 2.Blue Bush Dart 3.Red Featherleg | Kakiputih Bulu Berubah | Swamp F. Shallow pools, other still waters, slow channels. HW M 16mm. LC |
| 89 | Copera marginipes | 1.Yellow Featherleg 2.Yellow Bush Dart | Kakiputih Bulu Kuning | Habitat similar to above + clear streams. HW M 17mm. LC |
| 90 | Pseudocopera ciliata | 1.Light Blue Featherlegs 2.Black-kneed Featherleg | Kakiputih Bulu Biru | F. Lowland swamps, shaded ponds. Biggest damselfly in body length? HW M 21.5mm. LC |
| 91 | Calicnemia chaseni | (No English name) | Kakiputih Gunung Kecil | F. 800-1600m. Springs, small streams. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 92 | Calicnemia rectangulata | (No English name) | Kakiputih Gunung Besar | Uc, local. Habits, habitats similar to above but 600-1600m. Endemic, PM’s mountains. HW M 21.5mm. VU |
| 93 | Elattoneura analis | Orange-tipped Threadtail | Ekorlembar Ujung-oren | Lowland. F. Slow streams with Pandanus. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 94 | Elattoneura aurantiaca | (No English name) | Ekorlembar Mata-merah | Habitat as for E.analis. HW M 20.5mm. NT |
| 95 | Prodasineura humeralis | 1.Orange-striped Threadtail 2.Slender Threadtail | Ekorlembar Belang-oren | C. F. Streams <600m. HW M 18mm. LC |
| 96 | Prodasineura interrupta | Interrupted Threadtail | Ekorlembar Ujung-biru | F. Lowland. Slow streams. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 97 | Prodasineura notostigma | 1.Crescent Threadtail 2.Pale Blue Threadtail | Ekorlembar Sabit | F. Streams <1000m. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 98 | Prodasineura collaris | Collared Threadtail | Ekorlembar Berkolar | F. Lowland. Slow streams. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 99 | Prodasineura laidlawii | Laidlaw’s Threadtail | Ekorlembar Ladang | F streams. HW M 19mm. Also, plantations. LC |
| Sub-order: Anisoptera (Dragonflies) | Belalang | |||
| Family: Gomphidae | Clubtail Dragonflies | Belalang Ekorbelantan | ||
| 100 | Ictinogomphus decoratus | 1.Common Flangetail 2.Ubiquitous Flangetail | Ekorbelantan Tepian Biasa | C. Drains, ponds, lake margins open habitats. Geographic variation. HW M 39mm. LC |
| 101 | Ictinogomphus acutus | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Tepian Paya | R. Lowland. FE, swamp F. HW M 37mm. VU |
| 102 | Gomphidia maclachlani | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Rimau Jarang | R? Local. Lowland. F. Slow streams. HW M 41mm. LC |
| 103 | Gomphidia abbotti | Abbott’s Tiger | Ekorbelantan Rimau Siam | Fc. Lowland F. Slow streams, bottom muddy or sandy. HW M 42mm. LC |
| 104 | Gomphidictinus perakensis | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Perak | Clear swift streams <600m. HW M 49-52mm. LC |
| 105 | Sieboldius japponicus | White-banded Dragonhunter | Ekorbelantan Naga Jalur-putih | F. Clear fast streams <600m. HW M 50-53mm. LC |
| 106 | Burmagomphus plagiatus | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Burma Johor | R? OC or F. Small slow muddy or fast clear streams <600m. HW M 21-22mm. DD |
| 107 | Burmagomphus williamsoni | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Burma Siam | Holotype from Don Chai, Thailand. OC, F. Lowland. Slow (possibly fast) streams. HW M 22mm. LC |
| 108 | Burmagomphus arthuri | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Burma Kalimantan | R? Lowland rivers. HW M 24mm. DD |
| 109 | Burmagomphus insularis | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Burma Sarawak | Little info. Not in AG Orr. VU |
| 110 | Asiagomphus xanthenatus malayanus | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Asia Tujuh | R subspecies, endemic. F. Clear streams, waterfalls. HW M 37mm. DD |
| 111 | Leptogomphus risi | Ris’ Clubtail | Ekorbelantan Kinabalu | Holotype from Mt Kinabalu. R, local, F streams. HW M 30mm. LC |
| 112 | Leptogomphus tioman | Tioman’s Clubtail | Ekorbelantan Tioman | Little info. Discovered by Choong CY (2016). HW M 31.5mm. DD |
| 113 | Merogomphus femoralis | Malayan Spineleg | Ekorbelantan Duri Besar | Lowland. F swamps, alluvial, streams. HW M 26.5mm. EN |
| 114 | Euthygomphus parvus or Merogomphus parvus | (A Clubtail species) | Ekorbelantan Duri Kecil | F. Streams. HW M 25mm. VU |
| 115 | Heliogomphus kelantanensis | Malayan Grappletail | Ekorbelantan Cekak Kelantan | R. F fast streams. Not endemic, found in Thailand, Singapore. HW M 27mm. VU |
| 116 | Microgomphus chelifer | 1.Tiny Sheartail 2.Pigmy Scissortail | Ekorbelantan Gunting Kecil | F. Sandy, gravel streams <500m. Family’s smallest species. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 117 | Stylogomphus malayanus | Least Clubtail (for Stylogomphus) | Ekorbelantan Kecil | F. Streams. Tiny. HW M 20mm. VU |
| 118 | Macrogomphus quadratus | Forktail | Ekorbelantan Cabang Palembang | Lowland F slow streams. HW M 47mm. LC |
| 119 | Macrogomphus thoracicus | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Cabang Perak | Habits & habitats as above but rarer. HW M 52mm. NT |
| 120 | Macrogomphus parallelogramma | Sticktail | Ekorbelantan Cabang Batang | F (& wetlands?). Streams with muddy bottom or sand, gravel. HW M 43mm. LC |
| 121 | Macrogomphus decemlineatus | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Cabang Borneo | R, local. F. Slow streams & alluvial channels. HW M 37mm. LC |
| + 122 | Macrogomphus phalantus | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Cabang Kalimantan | R? Not in AG Orr. Pahang, Tasik Bera. DD |
| 123 | Acrogomphus malayanus | Malayan Hooktail | Ekorbelantan Cangkuk Malaya | R. F. Endemic. Pristine streams. HW M 29mm. NT |
| 124 | Acrogomphus minor OrOrientogomphus minor | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Cangkuk Siam | R. F. Pristine streams. Sits on stones. HW M 27mm. LC |
| 125 | Phaenandrogomphus asthenes | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Cangkuk Tujuh | 7 on top of thorax. F. Clear streams. HW M 25mm. LC |
| 126 | Paragomphus capricornis | Tawny Hooktail | Ekorbelantan Cangkuk Jingga | OC, light F. Clear streams, gravel bottom. Sits mid-stream. HW M 22-24mm. LC |
| 127 | Nepogomphus fruhstorferi Or Onychogomphus fruhstorferi | (No English name) Onychogomphus: Pincertails | Ekorbelantan Sepit Besar | F. Small clear streams 100-650m. HW M 23mm. NT |
| 128 | Nepogomphus walli Or Onychogomphus walli | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Sepit Kecil | Habits & habitat as above. HW M 21.5mm. LC |
| 129 | Onychogomphus divaricatus (Burmagomphus divaricatus before. See Note 8) | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Sepit Terbelah | R? OC or sparse forest. Slow muddy streams. Or slightly brackish water. HW M 22-23mm. LC |
| 130 | Onychogomphus castor OrLamelligomphus castor | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Sepit Ujung-lengkuk | Uc, local. F. Clear streams. On mid-stream rocks. HW M 30mm. LC |
| 131 | Onychogomphus thienemanni | Narrowbanded Claspertail | Ekorbelantan Sepit Jalur-nipis | R, local. F. Clear fast streams <500m. On mid-stream rocks. HW M 27mm. NT |
| 132 | Onychogomphus aemulus Or Orientogomphus aemulus | (No English name) | Ekorbelantan Sepit Tujuh | 7 on top thorax. R, local. Lowland. F. Clear small streams. HW M 28mm. VU |
| 133 | Megalogomphus sumatranus Or M. icterops | Green Sabretail | Ekorbelantan Pedang Hijau | F <500m. Clear streams. On stones along or mid-stream. HW M 40mm. LC |
| Family: Aeshnidae | Darner Dragonfly | Belalang Tisik | ||
| 134 | Oligoaeschna foliacea | 1.Common Paddletail 2.Leaftail | Tisik Dayung Besar | R? Wooded swamps. Forages before dusk. HW M 39-41mm. NT |
| 135 | Gynacantha basiguttata | Spoon-tailed Duskhawker | Tisik Senja Ekor-sudu | C. F swamps. Crepuscular. Breeds in leafy-bottomed pools. HW M 49mm. LC |
| 136 | Gynacantha corbeti | (No English name) | Tisik Senja Selangor | Observed Selangor 1993. Thought to be PM endemic but discovered in Thailand. HW M 48.5mm. DD |
| 137 | Gynacantha subinterrupta | Dingy Duskhawker | Tisik Senja Comot | Habits typical of genus. HW M 47mm. LC |
| 138 | Gynacantha bayadera | Small Duskhawker | Tisik Senja Kecil | Habits as for genus. Smallest of genus. HW M 45mm. LC |
| 139 | Gynacantha limbalis | Margined-winged Duskhawker | Tisik Senja Besar | Uc. Variety of habitats. Large, brown. Crepuscular. HW M 59-61mm. NT |
| 140 | Gynacantha risi | (No English name) | Tisik Senja Gunung | F >700m. HW M 53-55mm. DD |
| + 141 | Gynacantha dohrni | Spear-tail Duskhawker | Tisik Senja Ekor-lembing | Not in AG Orr. Choong et al 2018. Little info. LC |
| 142 | Heliaeschna crassa | Nighthawker | Tisik Malam Paya | Lowland swamp F. Crepuscular. HW M 49-52mm. LC |
| 143 | Heliaeschna idae | Pond Nighthawker | Tisik Malam Kolam | Habitat as above but to 1100m. Habits as above. HW M 51-54mm. LC |
| + 144 | Heliaeschna simplicia | Plain Nighthawker | Tisik Malam Jarang | R? Not in AG Orr. Marsh F. LC |
| 145 | Tetracanthagyna plagiata | Giant Hawker | Tisik Pemburu Gergasi | Uc. Lowland. F secondary, primary. Larva in small streams. Crepuscular. HW M 76mm Fe 80-84mm. LC |
| 146 | Tetracanthagyna brunnea | (No English name) | Tisik Pemburu Kecil | R. Habits, habitats as above. HW Fe 68mm. DD |
| 147 | Indaeschna grubaueri | Jungle Hawker | Tisik Pemburu Rimba | Lowland virgin F but in Pahang to 1400m. Afternoon to dusk. HW M 59-62mm Fe 65-68mm. LC |
| 148 | Anax guttatus | 1.Lesser Green Emperor 2.Pale-spotted Emperor | Tisik Maharaja Hijau | C. OC with standing water. HW M 52-56mm. LC |
| 149 | Anax panybeus | Arrow Emperor | Tisik Maharaja Panah | Not much info. Not in AG Orr. LC |
| + 150 | Amphiaeschna ampla | (No English name) | Tisik Sumatra | Not in AG Orr. Found in MyBIS. R? No observtions in iNaturalist. |
| + 151 | Anaciaeschna montivagans | (No English name) | Tisik Tanah-rata | Not in AG Orr. Found in MyBIS. No observtions in iNaturalist. |
| + 152 | Periaeschna laidlawi | (No English name) | Tisik Malaya | E? Not in AG Orr. Found in MyBIS. No observtions in iNaturalist. |
| Family: Chlorogompidae | Belalang Raja | |||
| 153 | Chlorogomphus yoshihiroi | (No English name) | Raja Bukit | F submontane streams. Endemic? HW M 41mm. DD |
| 154 | Chlorogomphus arooni | (No English name) | Raja Gunung | F Sub- to montane streams. HW M 48mm Fe 54mm. LC |
| Family: Synthemistidae | Belalang Penari | |||
| 155 | Idionyx yolanda | Shadowdancer | Penari Bayang | Fc, local, furtive. Lowland F marshes. Small streams. HW M 29mm Fe 30-34mm. LC |
| 156 | Idionyx montana | (No English name) | Penari Jarang | R, local. Habits, habitats as above but <900m. HW M 31mm. DD |
| 157 | Idionyx laidlawi | (No English name) | Penari Bukit-fraser | Known by one Fe specimen from Fraser’s. HW 32mm. DD |
| 158 | Macromidia genialis | Sunda Shadeshifter | Penari Bayangan Sunda | R, furtive. F clear streams. HW M 29mm. LC |
| Family: Macromiidae | Belalang Peronda | |||
| 159 | Epophthalmia vittigera | Pond Cruiser | Peronda Kolam | C. Open pools, marshes <1400m. M always on the wings. HW M 52mm. LC |
| 160 | Macromia cincta Family: Macromiidae (Choong), Corduliidae (Orr, GBIF) | Stream Cruiser | Peronda Sungai | Fc, FE esp swampy. Sluggish streams. HW M 43-47mm. LC |
| 161 | Macromia arachnomima | (No English name) | Peronda Pamah | Lowland F streams. HW M 38mm. LC |
| 162 | Macromia westwoodii | (No English name) | Peronda Bukit | Not R, furtive. F streams <900m. HW M 46mm Fe 47mm. LC |
| 163 | Macromia cydippe | Lesser Stream Cruiser | Peronda Ramping | Uc, local, furtive. Slow lowland F clear streams. Slender. HW M 41mm. LC |
| 164 | Macromia moorei | (No English name) | Peronda Besar | C. F hill to submontane fast streams. HW M 44-48mm. LC |
| 165 | Macromia gerstaeckeri | (No English name) | Peronda Kecil | Not R, local? F moderate fast streams sandy bottom. HW M 31mm. LC |
| 166 | Macromia callisto | (No English name) | Peronda Kayangan | F lowland small streams. HW M 37mm. LC |
| + 167 | Macromia cupricincta | (No English name) | Peronda India | Holotype from India. R in PM? Not in AG Orr. LC |
| Family: Corduliidae | Emerald Dragonflies | Belalang Zamrud | ||
| 168 | Hemicordulia tenera | Emerald | Zamrud Jawa | Holotype: Gng Slamet, Java. Very local, sporadic. Marshes F, FE 100-1500m. HW M 29mm. LC |
| 169 | Procordulia artemis | (No English name) | Zamrud Gunung | R, local. F >1250m, seepages, marshes. HW M 35mm. LC |
| Family: Libellulidae | Skimmer/Percher Dragonflies | Belalang Penyiring | ||
| 170 | Tetrathemis hyalina | Rainforest Elf | Penyiring Kenit Rimba | Not R, local. Alluvial F <500m pools, & slow streams FE. HW M 21mm. LC |
| 171 | Tetrathemis platyptera | Pigmy Skimmer | Penyiring Kenit Paya | Uc, local. Alluvial swamp F. Small pools. HW M 17.5mm. LC |
| 172 | Risiophlebia dohrni | Portbellied Elf | Penyiring Kenit Buncit | Uc, local, lowland swamp, peat F. Small pools, slow channels. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 173 | Hylaeothemis clementia | (No English name) | Penyiring Jarang | R, local. Lowland alluvial swamp. HW M 24mm, Fe 26-28mm. LC |
| 174 | Pornothemis serrata | (No English name) | Penyiring Dua-tompok | Uc, local. Lowland clear rivulets marshy F <650m. HW M 27mm. DD |
| 175 | Phyllothemis eltoni | (No English name) | Penyiring Kakipanjang Perak | R, lowland F small streams. Very long hind legs. PM, 1 record. HW M 22mm. DD |
| + 176 | Phyllothemis raymondi | (No English name) | Penyiring Kakipanjang Sumatra | Holotype: Deli, Sumatra. Not in AG Orr, MyBis. Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu. DD |
| 177 | Orchithemis pulcherrima | 1.Forest Skimmer 2.Variable Sentinel | Penyiring Pengawal Rimba | A, local. Swamp F, FE esp lowland. To 1000+m. HW M 21-23mm. 2 M forms. LC |
| 178 | Orchithemis pruinans | Blue Sentinel | Penyiring Pengawal Biru | Uc, local, lowland alluvial F swamps. Small pools, slow channels. HW M 26mm. LC |
| 179 | Lyriothemis cleis | Crimson Bombardier | Penyiring Wira Lembayung | Mixed dipterocarp <1000m & disturbed F. HW M 33-36mm. Phytotelmata. LC |
| 180 | Lyriothemis magnificata | (No English name) | Penyiring Wira Besar | F esp near bamboo <800+ but prefers the higher altitude. Treeholes, stumps. Biggest red dragonfly. HW M 37-40mm. LC |
| 181 | Lyriothemis biappendiculata | Red and White Bombardier | Penyiring Wira Merah-putih | Lc, swamp & semi-disturbed F <600m, seepages. HW M 28-29mm. LC |
| 182 | Potamarcha congener | 1.Swampwatcher 2.Blue Chaser 3.Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer | Penyiring Pucat Ekor-kuning | C, OC. Standing or slow channels <1600m. R, swamp F. HW M 33-34mm. LC |
| 183 | Nesoxenia lineata | Striped Grenadier | Penyiring Satria Belang | R, local swamp F. Shallow leafy-bottomed pools. HW M 28mm. LC |
| 184 | Lathrecista asiatica | 1.Scarlet Grenadier 2.Asian Blood Tail | Penyiring Satria Kirmizi | Seldom C, coastal marshes, swamp F, mangroves FE. Oil palm. HW M 34mm. Sits ab upright. LC |
| 185 | Agrionoptera insignis | Grenadier | Penyiring Satria Guam | First recorded in Guam. C? Lowland F marshes, mangroves FE. Slow streams, drains OC. HW M 29-30mm Fe 29-33mm. LC |
| 186 | Agrionoptera sexlineata | Handsome Grenadier | Penyiring Satria Kacak | Alluvial swamp F. Large shallow leafy pools. HW M 35-36mm Fe 38mm. LC |
| 187 | Cratilla metallica | Dark-tipped Forest-skimmer | Penyiring Rimba Ujung-gelap | Closed F <900m. Shallow pools, phytotelmata. HW 38mm. LC |
| 188 | Cratilla lineata | 1.Line Forest-skimmer 2.Emerald-banded Skimmer | Penyiring Rimba Jalur-zamrud | Closed or swamp F <1100m. Breeding as above but wider range. HW M 36-38mm Fe 38-40mm. LC |
| 189 | Orthetrum sabina | Slender Skimmer | Penyiring Cedok Ramping | C. OC, FE, canopy. Drains, pools, marshes. Muddy, leafy substrate, salt tolerant. HW M 32-34mm Fe 33-36mm. LC |
| 190 | Orthetrum pruinosum | 1.Red Skimmer 2.Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk | Penyiring Cedok Merah | F. Clear, lit streams <1000m. HW M 35mm. LC |
| 191 | Orthetrum testaceum | Orange Skimmer | Penyiring Cedok Oren | C. OC < 1500mm. Drains, ponds, gardens. HW M 36-40mm. LC |
| 192 | Orthetrum chrysis | 1.Spine-tufted Skimmer 2. Brown-backed Red Marsh Hawk | Penyiring Cedok Rumbai-duri | C. OC lakes, ponds, marshes. Occasionally swamp F, clear F streams. HW M 33-36mm. LC |
| 193 | Orthetrum glaucum | 1.Common Blue Skimmer 2.Blue Marsh Hawk | Penyiring Cedok Biru | C. OC ponds, ditches. HW M 32-34mm. |
| 194 | Orthetrum triangulare (subsp malaccense) | 1.Triangle Skimmer 2.Blue-tailed Forest Hawk | Penyiring Cedok Segitiga | R virgin F 500-1300m. Pools, seepages. HW M 37-39mm. LC |
| 195 | Orthetrum luzonicum | 1.Marsh Skimmer 2.Slender Blue Skimmer | Penyiring Cedok Rawa | Exposed marshes, ponds (& running water?) 100-2000m. HW M 30-32mm. LC |
| 196 | Nannophya pygmaea | Scarlet Pygmy/Dwarf | Penyiring Kenit Kirmizi | L A. Grassy borders, lakes, drains, marshes OC, FE <1250m. HW M 12.5mm. Smallest in this region. LC |
| 197 | Brachygonia oculata | Pixie | Penyiring Dewi Oren | Lowland alluvial, swamp, marsh, disturbed F. HW M 19mm Fe 20-21mm. LC |
| + 198 | Brachygonia ophelia | (No English name) | Penyiring Dewi Sungai-bebar | R? Not in AG Orr. Found Sg Bebar, Pahang. En |
| 199 | Tyriobapta torrida | Treehugger | Penyiring Dakap Pohon | F swamps <600m. HW M 25-26mm Fe 27-29mm. Sits flat on tree trunks. LC |
| 200 | Tyriobapta kuekenthali | (No English name) | Penyiring Dakap Jarang | R. Lowland swamp F. HW M 26-27mm. NT |
| 201 | Chalybeothemis fluviatilis | Green-eyed Percher | Penyiring Tenggek Mata-hijau | R. lowland, exposed weedy marshy swampy pools, & slow F channels. HW M 21mm. LC |
| 202 | Chalybeothemis chini | (No English name) | Penyiring Tenggek Chini | Little info. Not in AG Orr. PM endemic? DD |
| 203 | Brachydiplax chalybea | 1.Oriental Blue Dasher 2.Blue Lieutenant | Penyiring Tenggek Biru | Ponds, drains, mangrove swamps, exposed disturbed habitats. HW M 23-26mm. LC |
| 204 | Brachydiplax farinosa | 1.Darkmouth 2.Emerald-flanked Marsh Hawk | Penyiring Tenggek Mulut-hitam | Lowland swamp F, FE; rarely OC. HW M 23-25mm. Behavior as above. LC |
| + 205 | Brachydiplax sobrina | Little Blue Marsh Hawk | Penyiring Tenggek Bera | R in PM? Not in AG Orr. Swamp? LC |
| 206 | Raphismia bispina | 1.Mangrove Dwarf 2.Spiny-chested Percher | Penyiring Tenggek Rawa | Uc. Mangrove swamps. Brackish pools. HW M 20.5mm. LC |
| 207 | Acisoma panorpoides | 1.Asian Pintail 3.Grizzled Pintail | Penyiring Tenggek Asia | C. OC, grassy swamps, drains, padi. Unique shape. HWM 22mm Fe 24mm. LC |
| 208 | Diplacodes trivialis | 1.Blue Percher 2.Chalky Percher 3.Blue Ground Skimmer | Penyiring Tenggek Kapur | C. Open marshes, shallow drains. Far from water on mountain tops & FE. Wide altitude. HW M 23mm. LC |
| 209 | Diplacodes nebulosa | 1.Black-tipped Percher 2.Charcoal-winged Percher 3.Black-tipped Ground Skimmer | Penyiring Tenggek Ujung-hitam | Lowland. OC, marshes, shallow ponds. HW M 19mm. LC |
| 210 | Rhodothemis rufa | 1.Rufous Marsh Glider 2.Redbolt | Penyiring Luncur Jingga | Lakes, lily ponds, vegetated ditches. HW M 32-34mm. LC |
| 211 | Crocothemis servilia | 1.Scarlet Skimmer 2.Ruddy Mars Skimmer | Penyiring Kirmizi | C. OC, agric land esp padi. HW M 31-33mm. LC |
| 212 | Indothemis limbata | Restless Demon | Penyiring Dewata Resah | R, local. Open water, marshes. HW M 29mm. LC |
| 213 | Indothemis carnatica | 1.White-tipped Demon | Penyiring Dewata Ujung-putih | Little info. Not in AG Orr. LC |
| 214 | Pseudothemis jorina | Banded Skimmer | Penyiring Jalur | Uc, local. Dams, lakes. Unique ab pattern. HW M 32mm. |
| 215 | Neurothemis fluctuans | 1.Common Parasol 2.Red Grasshawk | Penyiring Payung Biasa | Very C. Lakes, drains, marshes, padi. FE far from water. HW M 22-24mm Fe 22-25mm. LC |
| 216 | Neurothemis disparilis | (No English name) | Penyiring Payung Jarang | Very R. At lowland swamp F or its FE? HW M 24.5mm Fe 26.5. DD |
| 217 | Neurothemis fulvia | Fulvous Forest Skimmer | Penyiring Payung Rimba | Mainly lowland. Slow streams, backwaters. HW M 28-31mm. |
| 218 | Neurothemis tullia | 1.Pied Paddy Skimmer 2.Cloudy Velvetwing | Penyiring Payung Hitam-putih | Local. Swampy grasslands, well vegetated ponds. Unique wing patterns. HW M 19.5mm Fe 20mm. LC |
| 219 | Brachythemis contaminata | 1.Ditch Jewel 2.Common Amberwing | Penyiring Sayapambar Senja | C. Ponds, lakes, slow rivers <1500m. Tolerates pollution. Congregates. Active even after sunset. HW M 22.5mm. LC |
| 220 | Trithemis pallidinervis | 1.Dancing Dropwing 2.Long-legged Marsh Glider | Penyiring Sayapjatuh Kakipanjang | OC, marsh, ponds. HW M 31.5mm. Can be far from water. LC |
| 221 | Trithemis aurora | 1.Crimson Dropwing 2.Crimson Marsh Glider | Penyiring Sayapjatuh Lembayung | C. OC ponds, lakes, weedy drains, slow streams <1500mm. HW M 26mm. LC |
| 222 | Trithemis festiva | 1.Indigo Dropwing 2.Black Stream Glider | Penyiring Sayapjatuh Nila | C. OC, larger clear fast streams <1500m. HW M 28mm. On rocks, gravel. LC |
| 223 | Onychothemis culminicola | (No English name) | Penyiring Sungai Asiatenggara | Clear slow sandy F streams <900m. HW M 37mm. LC |
| 224 | Onychothemis coccinea | Orange Riverdarter | Penyiring Sungai Oren | Clear lowland F streams, faster than above. HW M 35-38mm. LC |
| 225 | Onychothemis testacea | Riverhawker 1.Stellate River Hawk (inat) | Penyiring Sungai Bintang | R in PM. Clear F streams <700m; OC. HW M 39mm. LC |
| 226 | Zygonyx iris | 1.Irridescent Stream Glider 2.Emerald Cascader | Penyiring Lata Gemerlapan | Fast clear F streams, OC <1300mm. Seldom perch. HW M 40-42mm. LC |
| 227 | Zygonyx ida | Ida’s Cascader | Penyiring Lata Bukit | Most C submontane. Fast clear F stream <900m. HW M 41.5mm. LC |
| 228 | Zyxomma obtusum | White Duskdarter | Penyiring Senja Putih | OC ponds lakes polluted drains. Active after sunset. HW M 38mm. LC |
| 229 | Zyxomma petiolatum | 1.Longtailed Duskdarter 2.Dingy Duskdarter | Penyiring Senja Suram | OC, swamp F <700m. Ponds drains slow streams. Evening to after dusk. Thin ab. Hangs vert. HW M 33mm. LC |
| 230 | Hydrobasileus croceus | 1.Amber-winged Glider 2.Water Monarch | Penyiring Luncur Ambar | Lowland lakes, swamp F edge. & OC vegetated ponds, drains. Unique HW mark. HW M 43mm. LC |
| 231 | Tholymis tillarga | 1.Coral-tailed Cloudwing 2.Evening Skimmer 3.Twister | Penyiring Luncur Senja | C. OC standing water, slow streams <1500mm. 2-3 hrs before sunset till dark. HW M 35mm. Salt tolerant. LC |
| 232 | Tramea transmarina | 1.Red Glider 2.Saddlebag Glider | Penyiring Luncur Ekor-hitam | Vegetated lakes, ponds, drains <2000m but more lowland. HW M 43mm with dark base patch. LC |
| 233 | Pantala flavescens | 1.Wandering Glider 2.Globe Skimmer | Penyiring Luncur Sedunia | OC. Standing or slow flowing water. Migratory, possibly in a swarm. HW M 41mm. LC |
| 234 | Camacinia gigantea or Neurothemis gigantea | 1.Sultan 2.Giant Forest Skimmer | Penyiring Sultan Gergasi | R. Lowland ponds, lakes OC esp mangrove edge. Seldom perch. HW M 44-47mm Fe 47-52mm. LC |
| 235 | Camacinia harterti | (No English name) | Penyiring Sultan Rimba | R. Pristine lowland lakes, submontane F 250-600m. Unmistakable. HW M 47.5mm. DD |
| 236 | Rhyothemis triangularis | 1.Sapphire Flutterer | Penyiring Gedip Nilam | Swamp F. Lakes, ponds, slow streams. Unmistakable. HW M 24mm. LC |
| 237 | Rhyothemis phyllis | Yellow-striped Flutterer | Penyiring Gedip Kuning | C? Marshy ponds, lakes, drains. Feeds in kerengas F. Unique. HW M 37mm. LC |
| 238 | Rhyothemis aterrima | Black Jewel Flutterer | Penyiring Gedip Hitam | Swamp F Lowland. Slow streams, small backwater lakes. HW M 29mm. LC |
| 239 | Rhyothemis plutonia | 1.Purplish Flutterer 2.Greater Bluewing | Penyiring Gedip Ungu | R, local. Lowland swamp F, slow channels. HW M 32mm base broad recognisable. LC |
| 240 | Rhyothemis obsolescens | Bronze Flutterer | Penyiring Gedip Gangsa | C. Open lowland swamp FE. HW M 21.5-23mm. |
| + 241 | Rhyothemis fulgens | Bornean Brown Flutterer | Penyiring Gedip Borneo | Not in Ag Orr. Little info. NT |
| 242 | Urothemis signata | 1.Scarlet Basker 2.Greater Crimson Glider | Penyiring Jemor Kirmizi | Fc. Lowland. OC lakes ponds slow streams & swamp FE. HW M 35mm. LC |
| 243 | Urothemis abbotti | Rare Basker | Penyiring Jemor Jarang | R? Habits, habitats as above. HW M 38mm. VU |
| 244 | Macrodiplax cora | 1.Coastal Glider 2.Wandering Pennant | Penyiring Panji Pantai | Open coastal areas esp behind mangroves. HW M 31-33mm. LC |
| 245 | Aethriamanta brevipennis | 1.Scarlet Marsh Hawk 2.Scarlet Adjutant | Penyiring Bantu Kirmizi | R, local. Weedy ponds esp sheltered near F. Sits at centre. HW M 24.5mm. LC |
| 246 | Aethriamanta gracilis | Pond Adjutant | Penyiring Bantu Kapur | Uc, local. Lowland weedy ponds, marshes. Habits as above. HW M 22mm. LC |
| 247 | Aethriamanta aethra | Blue Adjutant | Penyiring Bantu Biru | R? Marshes, open swamp F, mangroves FE. Shy. HW M 23mm. LC |
Results and Discussion
The Checklist with Malay names for the dragonflies (belalang) and damselflies (pepatung) of Peninsular Malaysia has been created, a first for every species of Peninsular odonates. The Checklist too comes with the scientific and English names from which the Malay names are adapted but we believe, are more consistently named than the English, following family, subfamily, and genus.
Except for two families, Devadattidae and Platycnemididae, the rest each has a Malay family name. Thus, Method 1 was applied to these families in creating species Malay names. This enables the most general relationship between species in each of the family to be known, i.e., they are of the same family. Devadattidae consists only of a single species. Thus, only a simple specific name is required to name its sole species. This leaves only Platycnemididae requiring the use of Method 2, which tells which genus are related to to each other.
Conclusion
There are 247 species of odonata for Peninsular Malaysia from 17 families, with 99 damselflies (pepatung) and 148 dragonflies (belalang).
Given that odonates have no previous Malay names to its species, the naming here is given more leeway. That is, the naming is not constrained by having to consider already available names (as in constructing Malay names Checklists for snakes, mammals, and birds that we have also done) which may not be in line with our objectives in creating the Malay names or may not follow our two methods.
Given that the possible number of components for an odonata Malay name is three, which when combined with “pepatung-jarum” would be a mouthful we recommend that damselflies be called “pepatung” and dragonflies be “belalang”.
Notes
Following comments from Dr Choong Chee Yen formerly of UKM who went through my original Checklist, the following actions were taken:
- Euphaea pahyapi not found in PM and thus removed from Checklist.
- Indolestes anomalus added to checklist.
- Family Megapodagrionidae not in PM. Genus Rhinagrion previously in this family is placed in a new family Philosinidae. Similarly, genus Podolestes into a new family Argiolestidae.
- Rhinagrion mima. Removed from Checklist. All those spotted here were Rhinagrion viridatum.
- Pseudagrion perfuscatum. Removed. Not recorded in PM (but recorded by MyBIS).
- Prodasineura verticalis. Removed. Not in PM.
- Prodasineura autumnalis. Removed. Not in PM.
- Ictinogomphus rapax. Removed. Not confirmed in PM (but recorded by MyBIS).
- Nepogomphus modestus. Removed. Not recorded in PM (but recorded by MyBIS).
- Onychogomphus duaricus removed, replaced by O. divaricatus which was previously Burmagomphus divaricatus, now removed.
- Oligoaeschna amata. Removed. Recorded in Singapore, not PM.
- Heliaeschna uninervulata. Removed. Recorded in Singapore, not in PM (but in MyBIS).
- Chlorogomphus dyak. Removed. Observations likely that of C. yoshihirio.
- Tetrathemis hyalina (Or T. irregularis?). T. hyalina in PM. T. iiregularis in Philippines.
- Tyriobapta laidlawi. Removed. Misidentified T. kuekenthali.
- Neurothemis terminata. Removed.To be taken out of PM list.
- Neurothemis ramburii. Removed. Misidentified N. fluctuans.
- Zygonyx malayanus. Removed. It is Z. iris.
- Tramea basilaris. Removed. Not recorded PM.
- Rhyothemis pygmaea. Removed. Misidentified R. fulgens.
References
American Ornithological Society (2023). “American Ornithological Society Will Change the English Names of Bird Species Named After People”. https://americanornithology.org/american-ornithological-society-will-change-the-english-names-of-bird-species-named-after-people/ (Accessed 25 December 2023) AOS 2023.
Attorney General’s Chambers (2012). Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 Act 716 of Malaysia: Amendment 2012. (AGC 2012)
Choong, CC., Yasser MA, Nurfarhana HH (2018). Ancient Creatures: Dragonflies and Damselflies of Malaysia. Serangga Purba: Pepatung dan Pepatung Jarum di Malaysia. Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS): Kuala Lumpur
Orr, AG (2003). A guide to the dragonflies of Borneo – Their identification and biology. Natural History Publications (Borneo): Kota Kinabalu
Orr, AG. (2005). Dragonflies of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Natural History Publications (Borneo): Kota Kinabalu
Websites
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): https://www.gbif.org/
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/
Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBis): https://www.mybis.gov.my/one/discover.php