Japanese Relict Dragonfly

Family Odonata Anisozygoptera Epiophlebia superstes

This dragonfly has a body shape intermediate between that of damselflies (Zygoptera) and dragonflies such as the autumn darter (Anisoptera). The larvae (nymphs) can only live in clean mountain streams, clinging to stones on the riverbed and feeding on aquatic insects. The larval period is long, with a life cycle of 7 to 8 years.