Family : Aeshnidae
Common Name : Spoon-tailed Duskhawker
Status : Rare
Location : Mandai Forest
Encountering this large dragonfly in Singapore is a rare treat. Often spotted feeding at dawn and dusk, it gracefully hangs from tree branches throughout the day. Its distinctive feature is a pair of elongated, slender appendages at the end of its abdomen, which widen into small spoons, earning it the apt name of the Spoon-tailed Duskhawker.
(Female, Mandai forest, 19 December 2015)
In a dimly forested area of Mandai, we spotted this elusive female specimen. Its natural camouflage made it incredibly challenging to discern against the dark surroundings. This skittish species only allowed us to capture record shots from a distance of 2 meters before swiftly flying away as we attempted to approach for a closer inspection.
Nevertheless, after a 15-month break, I’m thrilled to have added a new dragonfly species to my collection!
Reference : A photographic guide to the Dragonflies of Singapore
Dragonflies & Damselflies of Singapore 