Species information
Scientific name: Rhipidolestes shozoi
Japanese name: ヤンバルトゲオトンボ
Chinese name: 山原蹣蟌、山原扇山蟌
English name: Yambaru flatwig
Origin: Northern Okinawajima
Ecology and description
Yambaru flatwig is a small damselfly with a body length of about 4 cm. It was previously considered a part of the Okinawa flatwig (Rhipidolestes okinawanus) population. However, the population in northern Okinawa has now been recognized as a new species, Yambaru flatwig, whereas the Okinawa flatwig is found south of Henangawa river. The species name is dedicated to the odonatologist Shozo Ishida.
The distribution of Yambaru flatwig is very limited, found only in the upper reaches of streams. Although adults appear in summer, due to their small size, they are not easily observed.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
Due to the specific locations where this species appears, it is rare to encounter it during our tours.
