Skip to main content

Banded Demoiselle (females)

Calopteryx splendens

Photo by Elsa
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

51.9723, 0.984446

Field Notes

Description:

Probably the most beautiful insect I've seen in a temperate country. Metallic emerald green/copper body and jet-black eyes. Relatively large. Males of this species are metallic blue and have characteristic black bands or big spots on the wings. The females have translucent wings with a metallic sheen.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Elsa
Don't mention it, I've gotten so much help here with other species that I'm happy to contribute :)
HemaShah
Thanks with the help with all the Fish.
Elsa
Confusing indeed! Appreciate the help :)
Doryreed
That's great. They are really attractive animals. Just a bit confusing when the males and females are different. :)
Elsa
Thanks Doryreed! That's seems pretty reasonable now that I google it. We actually spotted males on the other side of the stream (with the charecteristic blue bodies and black marking on the wings), but I didn't consider that they might be the same species only male/female.
Doryreed
It could be a female banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens). Colour looks right and the female doesn't have the black marking on the wings. It does have the black eyes though.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
2011 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
Global Dragonflies & Damselflies
Photographed
PublishedJuly 16, 2011

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies