noun
lesser emperor dragonfly
A large dragonfly species (Anax parthenope) found in Japan and across Eurasia. Common around ponds and rice fields in summer.
夏になると、池の上をギンヤンマが飛び回る。
In summer, lesser emperor dragonflies fly around over the pond.
オニヤンマ is a different, larger dragonfly species (Anotogaster sieboldii), often called the golden-ringed dragonfly.
The name ギンヤンマ literally means 'silver darner' (銀 + 蜻蜓). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely refers to the silvery sheen on the male's abdomen.