Fauna
Insect

Copper Demoiselle

Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis

Also known as Mediterranean Demoiselle

Copper demoiselles patrol sunlit, flowing streams and small rivers across the western Mediterranean region. Males feature a brilliant metallic copper-red body and dark brown wings, highlighted by a vivid crimson underside on the tip of the abdomen. Females display metallic green or bronze bodies with brown-tinted wings bearing distinctive white spots near the tips.

MetallicRiver HabitatsTerritorial
Copper Demoiselle reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMidges, Mosquitoes, Mayflies
Predators
  • Insectivorous birds
  • Frogs
  • Larger dragonflies
ThreatsWater pollution, stream canalization, and drought
HabitatsClean streams, small rivers, and oxygenated waterways
Life span1–2 years (mostly as aquatic nymph)
Classification
  1. FamilyCalopterygidae
  2. SpeciesCalopteryx haemorrhoidalis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observe Near Water: Look along sunny, vegetated banks of clean streams where males defend territories.
  • Watch Courtship: Males perform distinctive fluttering courtship flights over floating aquatic plants.
  • Move Slowly: Approach perching individuals quietly to avoid startling them into flight.
Related species
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