Orthetrum triangulare melania

Characteristics

A blue dragonfly that can be seen all over Japan. Males are bluish overall, with black belly tip and eyes. Females have yellow bellies and are darker overall than males. The transparent wings with black veins have a black fringe and dark brown tips.

Identifying White-faced and Red-faced Dark-faced Dragonflies

It is somewhat difficult to distinguish, as it is found in similar locations to the white-backed dragonfly and is also very similar in color.

There are two main points of identification, the base of the wings and the thickness of the tail. The base of the wings of the white-backed dragonfly is dark brown, but the white-backed dragonfly is transparent. In addition, the tail of the black-faced dragonfly is almost the same thickness from the base to the tip, whereas the tail of the white-faced dragonfly tapers abruptly. The black part of the tail of the white dragonfly appears longer.

It's difficult to identify when it's flying, so it's a good idea to look closely at the leaves and where it's perched on the ground.

Ecology

Inhabits waterfronts at low altitudes. They can appear anywhere, such as ponds, swamps, and streams. It eats small insects as food. Mating on grass. If it senses danger during mating, it may fly away in that position. Overwinter as larvae.

Habitat

I took a picture of it perched on a wooden path in Katakura Castle Ruins Park in Hachioji City. At the time of shooting, I couldn't distinguish between the white and black dragonflies, so I thought they were all black and white. Two or three males stopped at a distance of about 1m from me, and when I approached them, they retreated a little. Except for the dragonfly, it is one of the largest dragonflies in the park, so it was flying around leisurely.