Holly D'Oench
Artist & Naturalist

The beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a species of damselfly found in most parts of Europe. Damselflies are closely related to dragonflies but can be distinguished by having a long slender body compared to the more stout shape of dragonflies.

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This species is sexually dimorphic (males look different than females). The male is a striking metallic blue while the female is bronze and metallic green. Like all damselflies, the beautiful demoiselle is small. They only grow to be about 2 inches (55 mm) long.

They live near streams that have a fast flow rate and will spend their time in the vegetation.