Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)

Banded Demoiselle

This species is one of two Demoiselles that occur in the United Kingdom. It is aptly named and is easily identifiable from the Beautiful Demoiselle by the distinct dark bands on the wings.

This is a species of slow flowing rivers but can also be seen on canals, streams and even still waters that are adjacent to the rivers in which they breed.

Appearing on the wing from early / mid May in the recent warm springs right through to mid September. It emerges up to two weeks later than the Beautiful Demoiselle but often frequents the same territory.

The males are very easy to identify, The Banded Demoiselle has a dark coloured band across its wings the Beautiful variety having fully coloured wings. Both species have a blue / green abdomen and thorax.

The females however are a much greater challenge to identify.

The female Banded Demoiselle has green wings and a metallic green body. However the Beautiful variety has bronze wings and a metallic green body which turns a bronze colour with age.

It is best to identify a female demoiselle in the company of the male of the species.

Photographic Overview - The Banded Demoiselle

All of my images are taken in handheld mode without the use of any camera support and this overview is written with that in mind.

The Banded Demoiselle can be locally common on bank side vegetation, which can present some really good opportunities to the odonata photographer. It is a very obliging subject and its vivid colouring can make for some excellent images.

Like the Beautiful Demoiselle there are very few compositional issues and once close enough to the subject focusing on the thorax or wings is fairly simple. These damselflies are fond of sitting on top of isolated pieces of vegetation. On a calm day these can make stunning photographs as there is minimal background confusion to spoil the image and the contrast on the wings is outstanding. This is one of my favourite subjects.

These images were obtained by stealth and patience alone, no other non photographic techniques were used. I hope you have enjoyed browsing and that you'll return again soon.