Dragonflies of BIOT Stamp Issue 04.12.19
On 4th December 2019, the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration are releasing a set of six stamps and First Day Cover featuring species of dragonfly found within the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Macrodiplax Cora
Common names for this species include “Coastal glider”, “Wandering pennant” and “Cora’s pennant”.
It is a medium sized dragonfly and, as suggested by various common names, undertakes migrations and may be nomadic. As such, it is very widespread across its range, occurring across Asia and Australia.
The image shows a male with its vivid red colouration. Females have an orange / yellow coloured body with the same brownish-coloured eyes as the male.
Diplacodes Trivialis
Common names for this species include the “Blue ground skimmer”, “Chalky percher” and “Ground skimmer”.
A small dragonfly native to Asia and Australia, this species is relatively common on Diego Garcia and is often found perched in a sunny spot.
The image on the stamp shows a female, with its yellow/brown colouration. Males are blue, hence the common name.
Agriocnemis Pygmaea
The only damselfly in this stamp edition. Common names for this species include “Pygmy wisp”, “Wandering midget”, “Pygmy dartlet” and “Wandering wisp”.
The stamp shows a male with its greenish colouration. Females have several colour forms ranging from red to a similar greenish colour to the male.
Their native range is across Asia and Australia.
Hemianax Ephippiger
The common name for this dragonfly is the “Vagrant emperor”. It is a migrating species following the monsoon winds.
It has a wide native range from the Afro-tropical regions, through some of Europe and across central and southern Asia.
The female is pictured on the stamp. Males look similar to the females, but the blue patch on the thorax is much brighter.
Rhyothemis Variegata
The common names for this species include the “Common picturewing” and “Variegated flutterer”.
It is a medium-sized dragonfly found across Asia. Due to its weak fluttery flight and bold wing colouration, it is often mistaken for a butterfly.
A female is pictured showing the transparent part of the front forewing, which distinguishes them from the males. The forewings of males are yellowish with dark spots / patches and dark wing tips.
Anax Guttatus
Common names for this species include “Pale spotted emperor”, “Lesser green emperor”and “Blue tailed green darner”.
It is a large dragonfly with a strong flight with a range across Asia, Australia and Pacific Ocean islands.
Females and males look very similar in colouration
Further information about BIOT stamps and how to purchase them can be found here.
