Damselflies
Ryukyu black wing damselfly / Matrona basilaris japonica / Ryukyu haguro-tombo / リュウキュウハグロトンボ
This species of damselfly is endemic to Amami-Oshima, the neighboring island of Tokunoshima, and the island of Okinawa. Damselflies have more delicate wings and slimmer bodies than dragonflies, and this one has particularly striking features. The body of the male ranges in color from a metallic bluish green to a yellowish green, and the wings are glossy black with a purple tinge. The female is plainer, with tan wings and a reddish-brown body. This damselfly is often seen in large numbers near streams in the mountain forest. During the mating ritual, the female wiggles her wings and hovers over the water, bending her torso to display her abdomen. Once the male is accepted, the mating proceeds on a nearby perch, with their bodies forming the shape of a heart.
Amami blue damselfly / Coeliccia ryukyuensis amamii / Amami rurimon-tombo / アマミルリモントンボ
Though similar species exist on nearby islands, this delicate damselfly is endemic only to Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima, where it can be frequently seen near mountain streams and wetlands. The adult male typically has a turquoise-blue head and abdomen, and a black body with thin blue stripes. The female usually has a long black body with thin yellow stripes, and a yellow head and abdomen.
