Ebony Jewelwing

Also known as the "Hoso-hoso Dragonfly" (Slender Dragonfly).

Scientific name	Calopteryx atrata
English name	Ebony Jewelwing
Japanese name	羽黒蜻蛉
Class	Insecta
Order	Odonata
Family	Calopterygidae
Genus	Calopteryx
Species	atrata
Full length	6cm
Distribution	East Asia and North America. In Japan, distributed from Tohoku to Kyushu.

Ebony Jewelwing Characteristics and Morphology

A broad-winged damselfly with a body length of around 6cm.
The eyes are jet black. The wings are a non-translucent blackish-brown, which is the origin of its Japanese name (Haguro-tonbo / Black-winged dragonfly). While fine wing veins run through them, there are no spots or patterns. The abdomen is slender and straight, with colors differing between males and females.

Male

The entire body has a greenish tint.
The abdomen is a glossy emerald green. The tip of the abdomen is pointed.

Female

Generally brownish in color.
The abdomen is a matte brown with no gloss.

Ebony Jewelwing Ecology

Habitat

Found near watersides such as reed beds from early summer to autumn.

Food

Feeds on small insects.

Life Cycle

After mating, they lay eggs on aquatic plants.

Ebony Jewelwing Photos

Ebony Jewelwing Photos are introduced.
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Ebony Jewelwing Behavior

The sight of them fluttering their black wings is very impressive. When perching on leaves, they fold their wings together perfectly. Sometimes, they perform a slow wing-spreading motion while perched. They are territorial and fly around specific rocks or leaves.

Ebony Jewelwing Information

Naming

The scientific name "atrata" means "clothed in black," corresponding to the Japanese name. The English name "Ebony Jewelwing" is a combination of "Ebony" and "Jewelwing."

Ebony Jewelwing Found Locations

Asa River, Hachioji City

Discovered and photographed while strolling along the Asa River in the afternoon. This is a dragonfly frequently seen in the rivers and mountains within the city, and its fluttering flight is quite elegant. Although the wind was somewhat strong that day, a pair was resting on a leaf they seemed to like.