Zyxomma petiolatum 纖腰蜻蜓

Longtailed Duskdarter

It can be found  in similar location of Zyxomma obtusum but is also common at the edges of swamp forest, ponds, drains and sluggish streams in open country and swampy forest, 0-700 m.

Zyxomma petiolatum normally commences activity from late afternoon until after dusk, avoiding sunlight. Flies rapidly, hovering over water; hangs vertically at rest ; attracted to light.

Zyxomma petiolatum female is similar to male but abdomen  slightly thicker.

Widespread in tropical Asia and Australasia.
 

Zyxomma petiolatum is recognized by somber brown colors and big green eyes with very slender abdomen swollen at base basally then follow by exceedingly thin segments.

Female abdomen usually thicker exceptional to immature female. This immature female abdomen is as thin as a male.

Sabah has 2 species in this Zyxomma genus. Both are like night owls that start activity before sunset and flies well into the dusk. Both species are attracted to light.

This female Zyxomma petiolatum flew directly to the fluorescent tube around 6:00pm in the sitting room when I was reading the news paper.

Zyxomma petiolatum has short dull thorax but big and beautiful green eyes meeting along a long seam at the head top.

There are 3 unique gray lines on the eye.

Wings are clear with small patch of brown at the base. Wing venation is open.

This female size measures :
Hind wing length = 32mm
Hind wing span = 66mm
Total body length =52mm
Abdomen length =40mm

This female Zyxomma petiolatum has a very unique egg dispenser (the vulvar lamina plate and egg plate).

A) The Vulvar Lamina plate extends rearward from segment 8 to as far as the middle of segment 9 and has a conspicuous “V” incision.

B) The Egg Plate is long extending with a row of hair at the tip. A good protective cover for segment 9 where the eggs are dispensed from.