Dragonfly Heaven

If I ever get my brother, the insectographer, to visit Hong Kong he'd be in his glory with all the dragonflies.

Bad though Hong Kong's pollution can get, the city can be a great place to live if you are a dragonfly.

According to a Japanese odonatologist (one who studies dragonflies), the city's population of the colourful insects is a good sign of environmental health.

[ ... ]

Hong Kong has 113 species of dragonfly - just three fewer than the whole of Europe - including three that are unique to the city, said Mr Inoue.

He said that Hong Kong's setting, with its marshes and wetlands, still afforded a good environment for the insects.

[ ... ]

... most of Hong Kong's dragonflies were found in the wetlands and northern New Territories, including three found only in Hong Kong and one only recently known to science.

The new discovery was Fukiengomous choifong. The species was named in 2004 after the recently deceased grandmother - Choi Fong - of the conservation department field officer who discovered it ...

Another species, discovered in 1998 and dubbed Leptogomphus elegans hongkongensis - is expected to be renamed Leptogomphis hongkongensis next year as it has been confirmed that it is not a sub-species of the elegans groups and is unique to Hong Kong.

Macromedia ellenae - which has seven yellow spots on its thorax - is also found only locally.

I don't know why, but the hot pink dragonflies are fascinating.

I've yet to capture a photo of one.

← Older Posts · 早前 | →