Category Archives: Odonata

Lots of dragonflies (J: tombo) out and about yesterday as well. Here are two species of damselfly (smaller/thinner) and one true dragonfly. The blue one looks like a ruler so in Japanese it’s called monosashi-tombo i.e. “ruler damselfly” (it’s a … Continue reading →

Magnificent!! This is the largest species of dragonfly in Japan and, at 10cm long, it’s an impressive sight. This one was zooming around a clearing and it flew just above my head several times before settling on a remarkably convenient … Continue reading →

This species of damselfly is very common and I almost always see them when I’m walking in the local forests in summer. They gather in large numbers along the forest paths and it’s wonderful to see them flitting around with … Continue reading →

I sat for half an hour in the baking heat (35 degrees C today) trying to get photos of these dragonflies (oo-yama-tombo) as they zoomed past me! I took around 100 photos and the ones below were the best. Link … Continue reading →

Odonata: Lestidae Lestes japonicus Damselfly = kobane-aoito-tonbo Location: In orchards and bamboo/pine forest above Yokoyama Village (Google map)

Males are blue and females are black and yellow. Odonata: Libellulidae Orthetrum triangulare melania Skimmer = ooshiokara-tombo Location: Fields/ponds next to Anzunosato Park near Tsuyazaki (Google map)

Males are red and females are yellow/brown. Odonata: Libellulidae Crocothemis servilia mariannae Scarlet Skimmer = shoujou-tombo Location: Fields/ponds next to Anzunosato Park near Tsuyazaki (Google map)

Males are red and females are black and yellow. This specimen may well be a hybrid between S. eroticum and S. baccha matutinum. They commonly interbreed and this would explain the dark wingtips (found in S. baccha matutinum). Odonata: Libellulidae … Continue reading →

(female above; male below) Odonata: Platycnemididae Copera annulata = monosashi-tombo Location: Forest area near Ikeda Village in Munakata (aerial photo) Map: Google map link

(Male) Odonata: Coenagrionida Ceriagrion nipponicum Damselfly = beni-ito-tombo Location: Near Genkai town office (Google map)