Page:Insect Literature by Lafcadio Hearn.djvu/226

Rh VI.—Tono-sama-tombo,—"August-Lord Dragon-fly." Many different kinds of dragon-fly are called by this name,—probably on account of their beautiful colors. The name Koshiaki, or "Shining Loins," is likewise given to several varieties.

VII.—Ko-mugi-tombo, "Wheat-straw Dragon-fly."—Somewhat smaller than the "Barley-straw dragon-fly."

VIII.—Tsumaguro-tombo, "Black-skirted (or "Black-hemmed") Dragon-fly."—Several kinds of dragon-flies are thus called, because the edges of the wings are black or dark-red.

IX.—Kuro-tomboy, "Black Dragon-fly." As the word kuro means either dark in color or black, it is not surprising to find this name given both to deep red and to deep purple insects.

X.—Karakasa-tombo, "Umbrella Dragon-fly." The body of this creature is said to resemble, both in form and in color, a closed umbrella of the kind known as karakasa, made of split bamboo covered with thick oil-paper.

XI.—Chō-tombo,—"Butterfly Dragon-fly." Several varieties of dragon-fly are thus called,—apparently because of wing—markings like those of moths or butterflies. 註