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Banded Demoiselle |
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Key Sites: Titchmarsh Reserve, River Nene. The Banded Demoiselle is a species of slow flowing river systems, and is common along the length of the River Nene and Rover Ise among others. It is also present on the River Tove in the slower flowing stretches, mainly to the west of Towcester, although this is changing. At Greens Norton, the Banded Demoiselle can be seen with the Beautiful Demoiselle, which allows good comparative observation. Many hundreds can be seen along the River Nene and Harper's Brook at Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, and this is probably the best site in the county. Spotting: The Banded Demoiselle is one of the most beautiful damselflies to grace the waterways of Northants. The bright blue spots on translucent wings of the males are characteristic of this species along with the iridescent blue-green hue of the male and bright green metallic appearance of the female. County Status: Not threatened, although pollution of the River Nene may affect this species at the local level. |
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Male, River Nene Stanwick Lakes, June 2006 |
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Female, River Nene, Ditchford, May 2006. © Mark Tyrrell This female is regulating her body temperature during an especially hot day in May (~24 degrees C). |
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Calopteryx splendens |
