Sympetrum pedemontanum elatum

Characteristics

A beautiful red dragonfly with brown bands on its wings. Mature males are reddish overall, and even the fringes are red. Females are lighter overall. The wing veins are colored red.

Although it is called Miyama Akane, it is found in low mountain areas with streams and irrigation canals rather than deep in the mountains. It is sometimes called "Kazaguruma dragonfly".

Ecology

Inhabits near slow-moving streams. When they emerge from early July until autumn, they fly around grassy areas such as pampas grass and reeds, catching and eating insects in the air. Eggs are laid in shallow water in the fall, and the eggs emerge in the spring of the following year.

Habitat

A bright red male perched on a reed leaf in Katakura Castle Ruins Park, Hachioji City. The veins of the wings were so red that they were bleeding, and they were very beautiful. It had fine white hairs on its body. The red dragonfly is dominant in the park, but other red dragonflies can be seen if you look carefully.