David Element's Wildlife Web Page Dragonflies and Damselflies 26

David Element

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

__________________________________________Dragonflies and Damselflies 26 - Copper or Mediterranean 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 or Mediterranean 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 (‘tail-light’) on the ventral surface of the final few abdominal segments of the males. The males appear very dark and consequently they are quite difficult to photograph well with flash, particularly as they often settle on isolated perches without any vegetation in the background. 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 was obtained using natural light at ISO-500.

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