Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo

Status | Photos | Distribution Maps Length: 45-49mm Wingspan: Male 58mm; Female 63mm; Hindwing 24-36mm Larva: 30-35mm Male: Dark brown-black wings, with iridescent blue veins making the wings appear metallic cobalt blue. Extreme tips and bases may be paler, there is no pterostigma. Wings are broader than the similar Banded Demoiselle. Body is metallic blue-green. Immatures wings are browner. Female: Dark brown iridescent wings with a white 'false pterostigma', larger on forewing than hindwing. Wings are browner than the similar Banded Demoiselle. Body is metallic green with a bronze tip to abdomen. Homeochrome, (male coloured females) are sometimes recorded. Behavior: Territorial males perch on bankside vegetation. They will flick their wings open and shut, occasionally chasing off passing insects, often returning to same perch. Females only visit water for egg-laying or seeking a mate, both sexes frequently stray well away from water. Flies slowly with a butterfly like flight and frequently settles on bankside vegetation or trees. Habitat: Restricted to faster running clear water, found only along streams and rivers, often acidic, with sand or gravel bottom. Mostly found along heathland or moorland streams, though can also occur in farmland and woodland, including well shaded streams. Prefers cooler water than Banded Demoiselle. As streams broaden this species gives way to Banded Demoiselle, where there may be a broad overlap. Occasional hybridisation may take place. Sensitive to waterway management (clearance of vegetation) and pollution. Flight Period National: Late April to early October, though generally May to late September, being most abundant during June and July. Yorkshire: Mid June to early August. Status VC61 - Only finds its way into the Vice-county due to the new course of the River Hertford being cut south of the old North and East Riding County Boundary.  In many places this is within metres of the boundary. VC62 - Extremely localised to the south-eastern area of the North Yorkshire Moors. <Previous Species | Species Index | Next Species>

Web Author: Paul Ashton - ©  Yorkshire Branch of the British Dragonfly Society 2005-2008 including all images unless otherwise stated. http://www.yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk