Invertebrates
Beautiful Demoiselle
Calopteryx virgo
Beside a fast, clear stream running through woodland, a male beautiful demoiselle perches on a rush, his violet-blue wings glowing in a shaft of sunlight.
Overview
The beautiful demoiselle, Calopteryx virgo, is a Least Concern damselfly of fast-flowing, stony streams across Europe and into western Asia. Its deep violet-blue wings and sensitivity to pollution make it both one of the most beautiful and one of the most useful indicator species of clean water.
A damselfly of clean water
The beautiful demoiselle needs well-oxygenated water running over stones, so where it is found, the stream is usually in good condition.
Status
Least Concern, though local where clean, fast streams are scarce.
Beautiful Demoiselle: common questions
How is the beautiful demoiselle different from the banded demoiselle?
The male beautiful demoiselle has wings that are dark violet-blue all the way across, rather than a band, and it lives on faster, stonier streams.
What does the beautiful demoiselle tell us about a stream?
It is sensitive to pollution, so its presence suggests the water is clean and healthy.
How does it fly?
It flies with a slow, fluttering wingbeat, often perching on streamside plants and spreading its wings.
Where is the beautiful demoiselle found?
It lives along fast-flowing, stony streams across Europe and into western Asia.