Calopteryx splendens xanthostoma - Western Demoiselle - Caloptéryx xanthostome

Description

This is a sub-species of C. splendens (Banded Demoiselle) in which the wings of the male are more extensively marked with inky-blue. The female has translucent greenish wings. The markings on the wing of the male are less extensive than in C. virgo but like C. virgo this species is associated with fast flowing streams and rivers.

Male resting near the River Mare, St-Etienne-d'Estrechoux (34), 1st June 2005

Male Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens xanthosoma), River Orb, Hérépian (34)

Female near the River Mare, St-Etienne-d'Estrechoux (34), 1st June 2005

Male BandedDemoiselle (Calopteryx splendens xanthosoma) spreading its wings in a territorial display, River Orb, Hérépian (34)

Observations

13/06/2004   One male and one female seen on la Marette stream near Octon, Hérault (34).

14/07/2004   3 males by the River Orb near Hérépian, Hérault (34).

01/06/2005   10-30 of both sexes seen on the River Mare near St-Etienne-d'Estrechoux (34)

19/06/2006   Several males and one female on banks of the Orb, Hérépian (34)

15/07/2006   Several males and a few females (about 10-30 individuals) on bushes by the River Orb between Hérépian and Bédarieux (34).

10/07/2008   Solitary male (f. xanthosoma) at the Plan d'eau near Lunas

09/06/2009   10-30 males and females at the La Peyne stream near to the Barrage des Olivettes.

16/06/2009   100+ male and female by the River Orb at Hérépian. A few pairs in cop and interesting water surface behaviour from both females and males.