Insect · GBIF taxon 1427067
Banded Demoiselle
Calopteryx splendensAlso known as Banded Agrion
Banded demoiselles flutter with a distinctive butterfly-like flight along unpolluted streams and slow rivers. Males sport a broad metallic blue-black band across the center of each wing, while females feature translucent iridescent green wings. Territorial males perch prominently on emergent vegetation, engaging in elaborate aerial courtship dances to defend prime egg-laying sites.
DiurnalMetallicAquatic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Midges
- Flies
- Mayflies
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Fish
ThreatsWater pollution, river channelization, loss of bankside vegetation
HabitatsSlow-flowing streams, lowland rivers, vegetated canal banks
Life span1–2 years (adult stage lasts 2–6 weeks)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCalopterygidae
- SpeciesCalopteryx splendens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe from stream banks.
Responsible observation
- Best Viewing: Look for males perched on sunny riverbank reeds during warm summer mid-days.
- Courtship Observing: Watch for fluttery aerial displays above floating plant leaves where females lay eggs.
- Approach Quietly: Walk softly along water margins to prevent disturbing perched individuals.
Co-occurring Species (c) Jörg Hempel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Competitor (c) Ludivine Lamare, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ludivine Lamare · cc-by
Close Relative (c) rober025, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by rober025 · cc-by
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