Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis (Vander Linden, 1825)
Copper Demoiselle

Type locality: Lazio, Italy

Diagnosis

A stunning demoiselle, easily identified by the carmine ‘tail-light’ of the male and dark apical Hw spot of the female. Typical males are unmistakable by their reddish bronze body and largely dark wings, which appear dark brown (in stead of blue) when closed and have a conspicuous clear area at base. The demarcation of the clear base is notably oblique because the coloured area runs almost to the wing base anteriorly. Locally males appear brown, purplish, dark blue, olive or almost black. This colour is always darker and duller than the bright green to blue of C. exul and C. virgo, while the wings appear brown to black, not blue. Males have the underside of the abdomen tip uniformly bright pink to vivid red. The metallic green to bronze females are unmistakable by the contrasting dark Hw tips, and unlike other females have narrow pale humeral lines. In both sexes the tibiae are frequently rusty brown (black in other Calopteryx). [Adapted from Dijkstra & Lewington 2006]

Habitat description

Rivers and (headwater) streams in open landscapes or open areas in forest. Often with emergent and aquatic vegetation, submerged roots, coarse detritus and/or rocks. From 0 to 2100 m above sea level, but mostly below 1100, although possibly up to 2500.

Distribution

Map citation: Clausnitzer, V., K.-D.B. Dijkstra, R. Koch, J.-P. Boudot, W.R.T. Darwall, J. Kipping, B. Samraoui, M.J. Samways, J.P. Simaika & F. Suhling, 2012. Focus on African Freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 129-134.

Reference

• Vander Linden, P.L. (1825). Monographiae Libellulinarum Europaearum Specimen. J. Frank, Bruxelles, 1-42.

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-10-31].