Banded Demoiselle
Calopteryx splendens
Length 45mm

An attractive damselfly, often found resting among waterside vegetation. Males seen in small, fluttering groups hovering over water; flight of female rather feeble. Favours clean streams where nymph lives partly buried in muddy sediment. Male has blue body with metallic sheen; smoky wings show a conspicuous blue 'thumbprint' mark. Female has green body with metallic sheen and greenish brown wings. Flies May-August. Locally common in S and C England, Wales and Ireland.