Insect · GBIF taxon 1427037
Banded Demoiselle
Calopteryx virgoAlso known as Beautiful Demoiselle
Male Calopteryx virgo display stunning iridescent blue-green bodies and deep metallic blue wings that flutter in a distinctive butterfly-like flight over clean, oxygen-rich streams. Females feature metallic green bodies with translucent iridescent brown wings marked by white false pterostigmata near the tips. Males establish riverside territories atop emergent vegetation, engaging in elaborate aerial duels and courtship displays to win mates.
MetallicRiverineInsect
Licensed reference(c) rober025, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by rober025 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Midges
- Mosquitoes
- Small Flies
Predators
- Insectivorous Birds
- Freshwater Fish
- Larger Dragonflies
ThreatsWater pollution, river canalization, and loss of riparian vegetation
HabitatsFast-flowing streams, clean rivers, and gravel-bottomed waterways
Life span1 to 2 years (mostly spent as aquatic nymphs; adults live 2 to 6 weeks)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCalopterygidae
- SpeciesCalopteryx virgo
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Search sunny patches along clear, fast-flowing streams from late spring through mid-summer.
- Observation: Look for males perching on overhanging vegetation to guard prime egg-laying sites.
- Photography: Approach slowly along riverbanks during cool mornings when roosting damselflies remain still.
Frequent Companion Frequent Companion 
Close Relative (c) euqirneto, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.