About Neurobasis chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Neurobasis chinensis is a large damselfly species with a metallic bronze-green body. Its forewings are transparent, pale yellow-tinted, and have green venation. Its hindwings are opaque and appear brilliant metallic green or peacock-blue depending on the viewing angle. Males flash their wings to display these colors and attract females; the coloration is created by light interference from the thin surfaces of the wing membrane. Females are very similar in overall appearance to males, but all of their wings are transparent, light coffee brown, and have white wing spots, with additional creamy yellow patches at the wing nodes. This species breeds in forest streams. Males hold and defend territories along sections of moderately fast-flowing streams, and adults are normally found only near bodies of water. Females lay their eggs in submerged vegetation, often within root masses. The aquatic naiads burrow in underwater sediment, and have a long abdomen that is held curved upward above the body.
