Butterfly Dragonfly

A maverick of the dragonfly world with a shimmering beauty

Dragonflies are known for flying in straight lines and stopping abruptly. In contrast, insects that flutter and float are typically butterflies. The butterfly dragonfly is a maverick that doesn't fit these categories; despite being a dragonfly, it flies with a fluttering, floating motion.

The butterfly dragonfly's unique traits aren't limited to how it flies. Its wings, which appear black at first glance, change into various colors depending on the angle of view and how the light hits them.

Sometimes you can see a butterfly dragonfly standing on its head. One theory suggests this is to avoid direct sunlight.

Although the butterfly dragonfly is said to be an endangered species, it can be seen in large numbers in Tokyo, particularly around the lotus ponds in Mizumoto Park at the northern tip of Katsushika Ward.

Recently, I have started seeing many butterfly dragonflies along the Arakawa central embankment and its surrounding areas, stretching from the Arakawa Riverside Park at the southern tip of the same Katsushika Ward to the vicinity of Matsushima in Edogawa Ward. The central embankment refers to the levee sandwiched between the Arakawa and Nakagawa rivers, where they run parallel to each other. Although it is called an embankment, there is a wide riverbed on the Arakawa side, and in recent years, several large ponds have been created there as part of flood control projects. The presence of these large, still bodies of water may be the reason for the increase in butterfly dragonflies.

I suspect that the same factor is why the blue-tailed damselfly has also started to be seen in the same area.

Butterfly Dragonfly / Rhyothemis fuliginosa
Header image: 2025-6-15 Arakawa Riverbed (near Matsushima)

The silhouette of the main item, a modern evening dress, is a mermaid line that flares asymmetrically from a tight body toward the hem. The main material is iridescent silk organza that changes its expression to navy, magenta, and gold depending on the angle of the light. Voluminous gathered sleeves, modeled after the expansive hindwings of the butterfly dragonfly, are placed from the back to both shoulders. Transparent organza is intentionally used at the cuffs and the hem of the dress to recreate the clear feel of the wing tips. On the body, organic lines representing wing veins are embroidered onto matte jet-black velvet using ultra-fine black leather cords. The chest is adorned with a jewel made of dark labradorite (a natural stone that emits a flash of light), reminiscent of a compound eye.

• Image generated with Gemini 3.1 Flash Image (Nano Banana 2).