David Element's Wildlife Web Page Dragonflies and Damselflies 26

David Element

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

______________________________________________Dragonflies and Damselflies 26 - Copper Demoiselles

COPPER DEMOISELLE Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (f)

COPPER DEMOISELLE Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (m)

COPPER DEMOISELLE Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (f)

COPPER DEMOISELLE Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (m)

COPPER DEMOISELLE Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (f)

COPPER DEMOISELLES Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (m)

Male Copper Demoiselles Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis are highly territorial, often chasing off larger rival species like Beautiful Demoiselles Calopteryx virgo where their ranges overlap. The origin of the specific name of this Mediterranean damselfly is probably most apparent from the fifth photograph as it refers to a feature that is often difficult to see, namely the striking pink patch on the ventral surface of the final few abdominal segments of the males. The males in particular appear very dark and as a consequence they are quite difficult to photograph well, particularly as they often settle on isolated perches without any vegetation in the background. This species’ (recently applied) vernacular name refers to the beautiful colouring and wing shading of the female – this is evident in the penultimate photograph. Both sexes display by flapping their wings in the manner shown in several of these images. These pictures were taken during two visits to Tuscany (Toscana), Italy. As the weather was extremely warm the damselflies sought the shade during the middle of the day. The second photograph obtained using natural light at ISO-500.

A short film of Copper Demoiselles in action may be seen at: https://youtu.be/7BtldXMEYRc.