Head to head
Banded Demoiselle vs Ebony Jewelwing
Banded Demoiselle
VS Ebony Jewelwing
The banded demoiselle of Europe and the ebony jewelwing of eastern North America are close relatives in the genus Calopteryx, both metallic damselflies with slow, fluttering flight.
| Banded Demoiselle | Ebony Jewelwing | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Calopteryx splendens | Calopteryx maculata |
| Relationship | A close relative of the ebony jewelwing, in the same genus | A close relative of the banded demoiselle, in the same genus |
| Wings | Males have a broad dark blue-black band across each wing, and females have greenish, see-through wings | Solid black wings, unusual among damselflies, most of which have clear or lightly tinted wings |
| Body | A metallic blue-green body in the male | A brilliant metallic green to blue-green body, which together with the black wings looks jewel-like |
| Flight | A slow, fluttering wingbeat that looks more like a butterfly than a typical damselfly | A notably slow, fluttering wingbeat, quite different from the faster, more direct flight of many other damselflies |
| Habitat | Slow-flowing rivers and streams | Shaded, slow-moving streams within forest, generally avoiding open, sunny water |
| Courtship | Males defend stretches of riverbank vegetation and display their wing bands to rivals and females | The male performs a fluttering courtship display near the water's surface to attract a female |
| Range and status | Europe and into temperate Asia, and Least Concern | Eastern North America, and Least Concern |
Banded Demoiselle vs Ebony Jewelwing: common questions
Are the banded demoiselle and ebony jewelwing related?
Yes, both belong to the genus Calopteryx, one in Europe and Asia and the other in eastern North America.
Which one has solid black wings?
The ebony jewelwing, whose wings are black all the way across, unlike the banded demoiselle's broad dark band.
Where do they live?
The banded demoiselle lives along slow rivers in Europe and temperate Asia, while the ebony jewelwing lives along shaded forest streams in eastern North America.