Madagascar Odonata highlight No 4 - a new Nesocordulia to science

We found at least five new species to science during this amazing tour but none was more exciting than KD's discovery of this new Nesocordulia at Mantadia National Park. This genus is restricted to the islands of Madagascar and the Comores.

Madagascar Odonata highlight No 3 - a new Lestes to science

Our last potentially new species to science was a surprise Lestes! We were tired at the end of the tour and it took a while for the penny to drop as we went through photos at the end of the penultimate day. Luckily by working suitable habitat on the last day we came up trumps. An elusive species that took to the tree-tops as soon as it was disturbed.

Madagascar Odonata highlight No 2 - our first new species to science

After the excitement of re-discovering Crocothemis striata, we did not have to wait long for our first new species to science. KD found this little 'Diplacodes'-like libellulid whilst searching an almost odo-free marsh at Ranomafana. He failed to bag a specimen on the first visit but the weather was kind and we got a second chance. There are plenty of known unknowns on Madagascar many of which we also found but this was a genuinely new species! Sorry to go Donald Rumsfeld on you!

Madagascar Odonata highlight No 1

Day 1 of the inaugural Odonatours bash in Madagascar started with a bang when KD re-discovered Crocothemis striata, this species has been unrecorded since it's description in 1981 so this was a great result. Madagascar rocks!