Banded demoiselle at River Wensum by Richard Brunton 1/7
Banded demoiselle at Sculthorpe Moor by Elizabeth Dack 2/7
Banded demoiselle at Swafield by Julian Thomas 3/7
Banded demoiselle at Sculthorpe Moor by Elizabeth Dack 4/7
Banded demoiselle at Strumpshaw Fen by Pat Adams 5/7
Male banded demoiselle by Elizabeth Dack 6/7
Male banded demoiselle by Steve Hawkeye 7/7

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens

The banded demoiselle is mainly found along slow-flowing streams and rivers particularly those with muddy bottoms and with lush vegetation on the banks. Males compete on the wing for breeding territories near to suitable egg-laying sites. A territory owner will then court any visiting female by doing a special display flight for her. It is one of only two species of damselfly in Britain with obviously coloured wings. The other is the beautiful demoiselle, usually found in the West Country but odd sightings of this species are now being recorded in Norfolk.

Conservation status

The banded demoiselle is common and widespread across most of England, Wales and Ireland

Related questions & advice

What is the difference between dragonflies and damselflies?

Details

Did you know? The banded demoiselle is very sensitive to pollution and is an indicator of clean water.
 
Females lay their eggs on the leaves of aquatic plants, trapping a layer of air in their wings to allow them to breathe. The eggs hatch in two weeks but the nymphs live under water for about two years before climbing up a plant stem to shed their skins and emerge as adults.
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