Banded Demoiselle
Calopteryx splendens
This record describes Calopteryx splendens (species). Recorded family: Calopterygidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A spectacular damselfly. The male is most easily distinguished from the similar Beautiful Demoiselle by having a wing band that is around half the wing's total length, the female however does not have this band, but has a yellowish-green tint to the wings. Banded Demoiselle nymphs lack the rhino horn behind the eye found in Beautiful Demoiselle nymphs. Found flitting around emergent vegetation of slow running streams, rivers and canals with muddy bottoms. It is very sensitive to pollution so a good indicator of clean water. Common in England except in the far north, and fairly common in Wales. It is much scarcer in Scotland. This species is widely distributed throughout VC 55 and is found along all of the main rivers and streams, and on all canals. Records indicate that it has always been a common damselfly in VC 55. The Banded Demoiselle favours slow flowing rivers and streams with muddy bottoms.
Wikipedia reference for Calopteryx splendens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banded_demoiselle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Calopterygidae
- Genus
- Calopteryx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found flitting around emergent vegetation of slow running streams, rivers and canals with muddy bottoms.
Seasonal Activity
May to September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is very sensitive to pollution so a good indicator of clean water.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in England except in the far north, and fairly common in Wales. It is much scarcer in Scotland.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Calopteryx splendens. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Banded Demoiselle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Banded Demoiselle
What is Banded Demoiselle?
Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) is a species in the family Calopterygidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Banded Demoiselle found?
Habitat: Found flitting around emergent vegetation of slow running streams, rivers and canals with muddy bottoms.
When is Banded Demoiselle active?
Banded Demoiselle: seasonal activity - May to September.
What is the life cycle of a Banded Demoiselle?
It is very sensitive to pollution so a good indicator of clean water.