If you have recently walked along the shaded stream corridors of the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, you might have caught a glimpse of a tiny, shimmering gem darting over the water. Meet the Jewel Damselfly (Rhinocypha colorata), also known as the Colorful Flutterer—Makiling Botanic Garden’s featured Wildlife of the Month!
A Shimmering Display
This small damselfly is famous for its striking, metallic coloration. When the sunlight hits them, they truly live up to their “jewel” nickname.
While the species as a whole is highly vibrant, the males are especially striking. During flight and territorial displays, they show off vivid, contrasting dark and bright wing patterns to claim their space and catch the attention of potential mates. You will often spot them patiently perched on rocks, leaves, or twigs near running water, actively patrolling their territories.
Life by the Water
The Colorful Flutterer relies entirely on healthy aquatic ecosystems to survive.
- Diet: They are insectivores, feeding strictly on insects.
- Habitat: They inhabit clear, shaded streams, forest creeks, and riparian habitats (the vegetated areas right next to water) with plenty of plants.
- Reproduction: They are oviparous (egg-laying) creatures. Females lay their eggs directly in or near aquatic vegetation and submerged substrates along streams.
Did You Know?
Unlike butterflies, damselflies spend most of their lives underwater as aquatic larvae before finally emerging as the winged adults we see flying around!
Distribution and Conservation
The Jewel Damselfly is native to the Philippines. It is closely associated with the forested streams and rivers of Luzon and other islands where suitable freshwater habitats still exist. Within the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, they thrive specifically where there is clean, flowing water and plenty of plants along the stream banks.
However, these beautiful insects face serious challenges. Because they split their lives between the water and the air, their survival is deeply threatened by deforestation and the reduction of water quality. Protecting the Jewel Damselfly means we must protect both our forest habitats and our freshwater streams.
Next time you are near a clean, shaded creek in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, keep an eye out for this brilliant local resident!
References: Corbet (1999), Kalkman et al. (2008), Orr (2003)
Material: JBBalatibat, AALimpiada, and MMCaña (2026) | Layout: PLDAguilar | Photo: MMCaña (2023)