Beautiful Hawaiian Damselfly - Megalagrion calliphya - Hawaii County, HA - August 2015
Photographed at Hakalau Forest NWR--Pua Akala Tract. This species is one of about 26 damselflies endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Most are red, as is this species.
In species that are red, often both male and female are so, and these species are typically associated with locations that receive high solar radiation.The function of the red pigmentation appears to be as an antioxidant, which could provide protection from UV damage.
The Beautiful Hawaiian Dragonfly inhabits small pools and is one of the few native species that has benefitted from pigs, which create said habitat.
Beautiful Hawaiian Damselfly - Megalagrion calliphya - Hawaii County, HA - August 2015
Photographed at Hakalau Forest NWR--Pua Akala Tract. This species is one of about 26 damselflies endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Most are red, as is this species.
In species that are red, often both male and female are so, and these species are typically associated with locations that receive high solar radiation.The function of the red pigmentation appears to be as an antioxidant, which could provide protection from UV damage.
The Beautiful Hawaiian Dragonfly inhabits small pools and is one of the few native species that has benefitted from pigs, which create said habitat.