Banded Demoiselle
Calopteryx splendens
Unmistakable, the male in particular being a strong candidate for Lincolnshire's most spectacular insect. It has a metallic blue body, with deep blue bands on the outer third of the wings. The female has a metallic green body, with a pale green sheen to the wings. The male has a weak but purposeful fluttering flight, which is also very distinctive.
A river species, particularly common in the Witham upstream of Lincoln, the Welland upstream of Deeping and parts of the River Glen. Its favoured habitat is slow-flowing unimproved rivers, particularly when meandering through meadowland. In some areas it can be very common, a particularly good place being on the Witham adjacent to Bassingham churchyard. On occasion it has been recorded from central Lincoln.
Nationally it is widespread through England and Wales and common where suitable habitat prevails.
Distribution map
Male
Female
