Igneocnemis fuligifrons

The Philippine endemic genus Risiocnemis includes 38 described damselfly species, of which 20 are assigned to the subgenus Igneocnemis. All species of the genus are reophilic forest damselflies living in habitats with good vegetation cover.  Igneocnemis fuligifrons is found in the Eastern Visayas and Mindanao including Dinagat and Basilan. In the Eastern Visayas it shares forest habitats with 4 other Risiocnemis species on Panaon, Leyte and Biliran. It is not found on Samar and it was not known from Biliran before my record in November 2021. This was also the first time Igneocnemis fuligifrons was photographed alive in the field. Direct below is posted the first known image of a living individual photographed undisturbed in its natural habitat.

-Identification;
Adult males have a characteristic coloration which makes them unmistakable both in the Eastern Visayas and Mindanao. The combination of a black front of the head, orange-brown synthorax brightening in the central lower part, red legs and a brownish abdomen which is clearly darkened dorsally is not seen in any other Igneocnemis species. Also note a contrasting very dark brown to black pterostigma.
Quickly identifying females in the field takes some experience but is possible. In the Eastern Visayas females are most easily confused with Risiocnemis praeusta. For a direct compare see last 2 photos posted lower on this page.

-Habitat;
Small streams and seepage in good forest from near sea-level up to at least 650m asl. Often found in the vicinity of vegetated near-vertical cliffs or rocks. Even though they depend on habitats with flowing water, wanderers may often be found inside the forest some good distance from any stream or seepage.

-Habits;
Perching low at 0,5 to 2 meter off the forest floor. Flight usually very short to the next perch. Once a good spot is found several individuals may be encountered in a small area. Observations confirmed November to June but probably flying year-round.

-Distribution;
Philippines, my records from Biliran are a northward extension of the known range and it further occurs on Leyte and Panaon in the Eastern Visayas (not found on Samar). Also found on western and northern Mindanao, Dinagat and Basilan.

-IUCN Red list status; Near Threatened  -Note; In the Eastern Visayas it is scarce throughout with low numbers found in few locations.