Species information
Scientific name: Matrona japonica
Japanese name: リュウキュウハグロトンボ
Chinese name: 琉球羽黑蜻蛉、琉球單脈色蟌
English name: Ryukyu Matrona damselfly
Origin: Okinawajima, Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima
Ecology and description
Ryukyu Matrona damselfly is a common large damselfly species in the Yambaru area. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Matrona basilaris found in China and other regions, but has since been recognized as a distinct species. This species is endemic to Okinawajima, Tokunoshima, and Amami Oshima in the central Ryukyu region. The male has a beautiful metallic green body, while the female’s body is dark green with dark brown wings featuring a white pseudostigma.
References:
Hämäläinen, M., & Yeh, W. C. (2000). Matrona cyanoptera spec. nov. from Taiwan:(Odonata: Calopterygidae). Flumserberg Scientific Publishers.
Yu, X., Xue, J., Hämäläinen, M., Liu, Y., & Bu, W. (2015). A revised classification of the genus Matrona Selys, 1853 using molecular and morphological methods (Odonata: Calopterygidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 174(3), 473-486.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
We have the opportunity to spot this species on our 【Forest Walk】 tours during the day and 【Herping】 tours at night when visiting stream environments, except in winter.
