tonbo

Tonbo refers to a type of Japanese dragonfly that is a member of the family Libellulidae. It is also the name used in Old Japanese to refer to dragonflies in general. The term is derived from the Kanji characters, meaning 'drum fly' or 'fly drum', which refers to the sound made by the male Tonbo as it vibrates its body during courtship.

In Shinto mythology, the Tonbo is depicted as a messenger of the storm god, Raijin. According to myth, the Tonbo carries out the god's messages to villages, and its appearance is believed to foretell a storm. In ancient times, the Tonbo was considered a sacred creature and was associated with power and fertility.

In modern times, the term Tonbo has been adopted by the Japanese company Tonbo, a division of the more well-known Japanese company Igarashi. The Tonbo company is involved in the manufacturing and sales of high-precision measurement instruments.

The dragonfly species referred to as Tonbo is typically brightly colored, with iridescent blues and greens on its body. It is characterized by its slender body and long, narrow wings. Males and females can be distinguished by their distinctive patterns and colors, and they are generally found in aquatic environments.

The Tonbo is an attractive and environmentally significant species that holds cultural significance in Japan. Its beauty and fascinating behavior have made it a popular insect for study and observation.