Banded Demoiselle ~ Calopteryx splendens ~ Male
Females can lay up to 10 eggs per minute for 45 minutes. They lay in a wide variety of emergent or floating plants, sometimes even submerging to do so. The eggs hatch after 14 days. The larvae have very long legs and are stick-shaped. They develop over two years, usually. They tolerate muddy water and overwinter buried in mud. When they are ready to moult into an adult, they climb up a suitable reed or plant and shed their skin. [edit] Behaviour Males are usually territorial, but large numbers can sometimes be found in lush bankside plants and on floating objects. They court females by opening their wings and performing an aerial dance. They are usually found in canals and quiet rivers with muddy bottoms located in open country.[3] [edit] Natural habitat areas The Banded Demoiselle is an Eurasian species, and is present throughout Eurasia from the Atlantic coast to Lake Baikal and north-western China.[2] The Demoiselle is found in Taganay and Zyuratkul National Parks of Russia.[4] They also live in National park of Fruška Gora in Serbia. They are found throughout the British Isles, except for the Scottish Highlands.[3] [edit] Status The Banded Demoiselle is listed as protected in the Red Book of Chelyabinsk Oblast.
Size: 3664px × 2320px
Location: Fairburn Ings West Yorkshire UK England
Photo credit: © Clare Scott / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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