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Pied skimmer
As we enter mid-September, temperatures have begun to drop in Kyoto. Whilst the once-loud chirping of the Black giant cicadas has now fallen silent, the Pied skimmers are still a common sight along the riverbanks. As shown in the photograph, the males have a white abdomen, whilst the females and younger individuals are yellow; they can be seen until around October. They are widely distributed across Japan, South Korea, China and as far as Vietnam, and were once a species not found in cold regions such as Hokkaido. However, in recent years, there has been a sharp increase in sightings…
- Insects
- Kyoto
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Ooshiokaratonbo, dragonflies that symbolise the Japanese summer
When visiting temples and shrines with release ponds, Orthetrum triangulare melania, one of white-tailed skimmer’s groups is a common sight. In Japan, it is known as the ‘Ooshiokaratonbo’. As the name ‘shiokara’ (meaning ‘salty’) suggests, the males are covered in a blue-and-white powder, much like salted kelp, to protect themselves from strong ultraviolet rays. Ooshiokaratonbo and Shiokaratonbo (Orthetrum albistylum) are dragonflies that are widely found throughout Japan. The can be distinguished from the Shiokaratonbo by its deeper colouring, its dark brown eyes, and the black base of its hind wings with navy-blue veins. Whilst the Shiokaratonbo prefers bright locations, the Ooshiokaratonbo favours…
- Insects
- Kyoto