Banded Demoiselle is a species of damselfly commonly found in Europe and parts of Asia along slow-flowing streams and rivers with muddy bottoms. They are 45mm long and have a metallic, iridescent blue-green body with large, dark blue-black wing patches. The females are generally less colourful, with greenish bodies as well as clear wings. Males are territorial and often perform aerial displays or combats to attract females.
Banded demoiselles have an aquatic larval stage, which is spent in the water. They undergo an incomplete metamorphosis, involving three life stages: egg, nymph and adult. After spending several months as aquatic nymphs, they emerge from the water and turn into adults. Both nymphs and adults are carnivorous and mainly feed on small aquatic invertebrates, and flying insects. Banded demoiselles are preyed upon by birds, larger insects and spiders. Their bright colours serve as a warning to predators that they may be toxic for consumption.
These damselflies are typically active during the summer months and currently their numbers are impacted by pollution, over-shading from tree growth as well as removal of aquatic vegetation.
A tryst with nature #bandeddemoiselle #photography
This post is part of Blogchatter's Half Marathon
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