Scientific name:  Calopteryx virgo

Size:  Wingspan up to 70mm

Distribution:  Found in many parts of the UK.  Absent from Northern Ireland

Months seen:  Late May to September

Life Span:  Approximately 2 years, most of which is spent in the aquatic larval stage

Habitat:  Fast flowing rivers and streams

Food:  Insects (which are caught on the wing)

Special features:  Female beautiful demoiselles have a metallic green coloured body with a brownish tip.  The wings are brown with a white spot near the end of each wing.

Male beautiful demoiselles have metallic blue-green bodies and purple-brown wings with blue veins.  The wings become more blue with age.

Related Pages

• UK SafariDamselfly Section
• UK Safari Dragonfly Section
• Beautiful Demoiselle Exuviae
• UK Safari Invertebrate Section
• UK Safari News