Species information
Scientific name: Coeliccia ryukyuensis ryukyuensis
Japanese name: リュウキュウルリモントンボ
Chinese name: 琉球琵蟌、琉球琵蟌沖繩亞種
English name: Ryukyu damselfly, Coeliccia ryukyuensis ryukyuensis
Origin: Okinawajima (endemic subspecies)
Ecology and description
This species is endemic to Okinawajima and the Amami Islands. Another subspecies is found in Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima: Amami damselfly (アマミルリモントンボ, Coeliccia ryukyuensis amamii). The 9th and 10th abdominal segments of the Okinawa subspecies are yellow, while the 10th segment of individuals from Amami Oshima is blue.
The body length of this species is approximately 5 cm. Immature individuals are yellow, while mature males exhibit brilliant blue eyes and thoraxes. Some females will transition to a blue similar to that of the males, although some individuals remain yellow.
Reference: Yagopedia
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
The Ryukyu damselfly is not uncommon in Okinawa, but it is difficult to spot due to its small size. It can be observed during our 【Forest Walk】tour.
