Dragonflies ‹‹ Go Back

Common Name : Rapacious Flangetail - Scientific Name : Ictinogomphus rapax - Other Name : Common Clubtail

Wilpattu

This is one of our most common large dragonfly species found throughout the lowlands. This fast-flying voracious hunter belongs to the Gompidae family commonly referred to as “Clubtails” and is also native to India, Nepal and China.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have observed this dragonfly perched on a exposed branches or stems close to water at mainly stagnant pools of water in and around Wilpattu. They are quick to detect any intruder into their area such as butterflies, small birds or other dragonflies and chase them away.

The author visits Wilpattu National Park regularly and will update this website with his field notes and photographs of individual leopards as well as other species of fauna & flora observed in the park. His primary goal in launching this website is to create awareness among the general public of the fascinating bio diversity of the park and to highlight the importance of protecting it for generations to come. The author’s study of the leopards will be of importance for anyone who may be keen to identify the leopards they photograph in Wilpattu and learn more about them.

Anyone who may be interested in using the information or the photographs contained in this website for any educational, research or commercial purpose is kindly requested to contact the author and obtain his consent prior to doing so. ( Email : kithsiri@wilpattu.com )