Libellago indica, the southern heliodor,[1] is a species of damselfly in the family Chlorocyphidae. It is found only in South India. It breeds in hill streams and rivers.[2] [3]
Fraser described this damselfly in 1928 as a subspecies of Libellago lineata.[4] [5] Most authors have followed Fraser's original view for a long time, although Lieftinck considered L. indica as a good species (Lieftinck, 1940,p. 88; 1955, p. 68; 1971,p. 206). Recently De Fonseka 2000, Hämäläinen 2002[6] and World Odonata List listed L. indica as a good species.
It is a small damselfly with large head and brown capped yellowish eyes. Its thorax is black with yellow marks. Wings are transparent with apical black spots on the fore-wings. The abdomen is black with large yellow spots on lateral sides on segments 2 to 7. Segments 2 to 5 have broad mid-dorsal black stripes which is absent in L. lineata lineata. These abdominal markings will help to easily distinguish it from other Libellago lineata. Female is dull brown and with transparent wings. Sub-adult males have also transparent wings.[4] [5] It is common on the banks of rivers and streams flowing through the forests. Frequently found sitting in emergent water plants and overhanging bushes. It breeds in hill streams and rivers.[5]