About Japanese Red Dragonfly
Known as 'akane' or 'aka-tonbo' in Japanese, this red dragonfly is one of the most iconic insects in Japanese culture. Males turn bright red at maturity. Appears in large numbers in autumn.
Did You Know?
Red dragonflies are so symbolically important in Japan that the children's song 'Aka Tombo' (Red Dragonfly) is known by virtually every Japanese person.
How to Identify Japanese Red Dragonfly
Japanese Red Dragonfly (Sympetrum frequens) belongs to the order Odonata, family Libellulidae. Adults typically measure 35-45 mm.
Japanese Red Dragonfly Habitat
Japanese Red Dragonfly is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across East Asia, Japan. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Japanese Red Dragonfly Diet and Feeding
Japanese Red Dragonfly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Japanese Red Dragonfly Found?
Japanese Red Dragonfly can be found in East Asia, Japan, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Japanese Red Dragonfly can be found
Is Japanese Red Dragonfly Dangerous?
Japanese Red Dragonfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Japanese Red Dragonfly Role in Nature
Japanese Red Dragonfly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Japanese Red Dragonfly are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Red Dragonfly
What does Japanese Red Dragonfly look like?
The Japanese Red Dragonfly typically measures 35-45 mm.
Where is Japanese Red Dragonfly found?
The Japanese Red Dragonfly is found in East Asia, Japan and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.
What does Japanese Red Dragonfly eat?
The Japanese Red Dragonfly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Japanese Red Dragonfly dangerous to humans?
The Japanese Red Dragonfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Japanese Red Dragonfly?
Red dragonflies are so symbolically important in Japan that the children's song 'Aka Tombo' (Red Dragonfly) is known by virtually every Japanese person.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Japanese Red Dragonfly (Sympetrum frequens). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-red-dragonfly
MLA:
"Japanese Red Dragonfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-red-dragonfly.