13. Vestalis gracilis (Rambur, 1842)

13. Vestalis gracilis (Rambur, 1842)

Number: 13

Family: Calopterygidae
Genus: Vestalis

Species: Vestalis gracilis (Rambur, 1842)

Common name: Clear wing forest glory

Habitat: Stream associated forest patches

Distribution: Chittagong, Sylhet 

Abundance: Not very common

Flight Season: February, March,  August,  October and December (by  me)

One of the incredible beautiful creature found in the forest patches associated with stream. The spectacular species often found perching in the green trees, hence makes it difficult to sight and capture them.   

Male

The male is metalic green in color, the legs are long, black often pruinosed, eyes and thorax is green, thorax has yellow stripe, wings are transparent, abdomen slender, dark green in colour.   

Female

The females are metalic green too, hence distinguishing females from male is not a simple task. However, females can be separated by the swollen segments 9 and 10 and also by observing the anal appendages.