Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)

Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) Overview

The Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a striking species of damselfly known for its iridescent body and graceful flight. It is commonly found near clean, fast-flowing streams and rivers in Europe and parts of Asia.

General Information:

• Scientific Name: Calopteryx virgo
• Common Name: Beautiful Demoiselle
• Family: Calopterygidae (Broad-winged damselflies)
• Size:
  • Body Length: 45–49 mm (1.8–1.9 in)
  • Wingspan: 60–75 mm (2.4–3.0 in)
• Lifespan: Around 1–2 years, with most of it spent as a larva

Appearance:

• Males: Metallic blue or green body with dark, iridescent blue wings
• Females: Greenish-bronze body with translucent, brown-tinted wings
• Wings: Broad and rounded compared to other damselflies
• Eyes: Large, dark, and widely spaced

Distribution & Habitat:

• Found across Europe, extending into western Asia
• Prefers clean, fast-flowing rivers and streams with overhanging vegetation
• Avoids polluted or stagnant water

Behavior & Life Cycle:

• Flight Period: Typically from May to September, depending on climate
• Mating Rituals:
  • Males perform a fluttering display flight to attract females
  • They defend small territories along the water’s edge
• Egg Laying:
  • Females deposit eggs in submerged aquatic plants
  • Larvae develop underwater for up to 2 years, then emerge as adults
• Adult Life Span: A few weeks to months

Diet & Predators:

• Diet:
  • Adults feed on small flying insects like midges and mosquitoes
  • Larvae are aquatic predators, hunting small invertebrates
• Predators:
  • Birds, spiders, and larger dragonflies prey on adults
  • Fish and aquatic insects may eat larvae

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC), but vulnerable to habitat loss
• Threats:
  • Pollution and degradation of water quality
  • Habitat destruction due to riverbank modifications

Interesting Facts:

• Unlike dragonflies, damselflies fold their wings over their bodies when resting
• Males can appear almost black in certain lighting due to their iridescent wings
• They are highly territorial and chase away rivals with elaborate flight displays

Would you like more details on a specific aspect, such as conservation efforts or mating behaviors?

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