What is the Shining Gossamerwing damselfly?

The Shining Gossamerwing (Euphaea splendens) is a damselfly endemic to Sri Lanka and the only member of the family Euphaeidae found on the island. It is best known for the iridescent hind wings of the male, which shift between green and blue depending on the viewing angle.

Where can I find the Shining Gossamerwing in Sri Lanka?

It inhabits medium-sized rivers and streams in the wet and intermediate zones, from the lowlands up into the foothills of the central highlands. Streams around Sinharaja, Kithulgala, and similar forested areas are reliable locations.

Why do the male's wings look metallic?

The iridescence is structural rather than pigment-based. Microscopic interference of light across the wing membrane produces the shifting green-blue colour, which changes noticeably as the viewing angle changes.

How do Shining Gossamerwing females lay their eggs?

Females lay eggs by descending fully underwater and depositing them onto submerged rocks or plant stems. They can remain below the surface for many minutes, absorbing dissolved oxygen through their body surface to sustain themselves during this time.

Is the Shining Gossamerwing common or rare?

It is considered one of the more common damselflies along suitable stream habitats within the wet and intermediate zones. However, like all aquatic insects, it depends on clean, well-oxygenated water and can be absent from degraded or heavily disturbed streams.

What is the best time of day to spot the Shining Gossamerwing?

Morning hours, typically between 08:00 and 11:00, are most productive. Males become active once sunlight warms the boulders they perch on, and territorial displays peak in the mid-morning before heat causes activity to drop.

Can I photograph the Shining Gossamerwing's wing iridescence?

Yes, though capturing the colour shift requires varying your shooting angle relative to the light source. Sidelit or backlit conditions often show the metallic hue most clearly. A macro or telephoto lens is recommended to avoid flushing the insect from its perch.

Does the Shining Gossamerwing have conservation significance?

Its presence in a river system is generally taken as an indicator of good water quality and healthy riparian habitat. Taxonomically, it is significant as the sole Sri Lankan representative of its family, making it of particular interest to Odonata researchers and conservationists.

Shining Gossamerwing

This unmistakable damselfly is known for its uniquely coloured hind wings, which reflect greens and blues depending on the viewing angle. It is the only representative of the family Euphaeidae in Sri Lanka.

Habitat & Distribution: Found from the plains to the mountains, it is one of the most common species along medium-sized rivers and streams in the wet and intermediate zones.

Behavior: Males are often seen perched on boulders or vegetation near streams, engaging in rhythmic territorial battles by flying together while displaying their metallic-coloured wings.

Reproduction: Unlike males, females lack metallic wings but display a unique behavior, laying eggs while being fully submerged underwater for extended periods, sometimes lasting dozens of minutes.