Blue-winged dragonfly, Rhyothemis sp (Libellulidae)

Rhyothemis plutonis (Libellulidae)

This is a very beautiful dragonfly. The dark colours on its wings appear metallic-like and changes from blue to violet at different viewing angles. It was spotted flying near a river stream at low speed with fluttering pattern (like that of a butterfly) in the morning, Malaysia.

The scientific name of this beauty is Rhyothemis plutonia.

ID credit: Kurt Orion (orionmystery.blogspot.com/)

Trogaspidia sp, (Mutillidae)

Velvet ants mating (Trogaspidia sp, Mutillidae)

Trogaspidia is a genus of Velvet Ants (Mutillidae). In spite of its common name, they are actually wasps. The name Velvet Ants originated from the wingless female's resemblance to a hairy ant. While the mating occurred on a leaf, the male is capable carrying the female and mate in the air while flying, in which they did as soon as I attempted to step back and leave them alone.

They are also known as Cow Killer, due to the extremely painful sting of the female. Though not aggressive, the female will sting if handled.

When mating, the male grab the female on the neck with its mandibles.





Wasp identification a courtesy of Dr Doug Yanega, Entomology Research Museum, University of California, Riverside.

Flat-backed millipede, Polydesmida

Flat-backed millipedes are millipedes in the order Polydesmida. The common name is based on the rather flat (not exactly flat) looking segments of its body. There are lateral extension on the segments, known as paranota (singular paranotum), that make them look rather flat.

Paranota on body segments of millipede

This is found walking on the grass near a drain by the forest, Perak, Malaysia. I picked it up, shot the face and put it back to where it was, unharmed.

Flat-backed millipede, Polydesmida

I was surprised to see the details of the face. Along the labrum, of its mouth, there seemed to have parts that look like teeth. These are known as crenulations.

Flat-backed millipede portrait

It coiled up when I tried to pick it up.

Coiled up flat-backed millipede

Underside of the flat-backed millipede

Yellow Ichneumon Wasp, Xanthopimpla sp

Bukit Tinggi Botanical Garden, Pahang, Malaysia.

Xanthopimpla sp, Pimplini, Pimplinae, Ichneumonidae.

Stink Bug Nymph, Pentatomidae

The stink bug (nymph) is bluish black on the head and abdomen, red thorax, and red legs with black tarsus. It was found on the upper side of the leaf, late evening, Perak, Malaysia. No adult were seen. No further identification. Feel free to identify this.