19 June 2014

The Banded Demoiselle - Calopteryx splendens

A splendid insect to watch. They flutter like tiny birds around the water's edge. The brilliant metallic blue males dance, showing off to the glimmering green females. You may not notice them as they rest in the long grass of the water meadows, but they fly up at your approach, truly beautiful.

Banded Demoiselle (male)
"The blessed damozel leaned out
From the gold bar of Heaven;
Her eyes were deeper than the depth
Of waters stilled at even;
She had three lilies in her hand,
And the stars in her hair were seven." Dante Gabriel Rossetti



More information about Dragonflies and Damselflies at the British Dragonfly Society