Calopteryx haemorroidalis

Appearance

''Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis'' can reach a body length of about 45–48 millimetres . The abdomen length is of about 34–43 millimetres in males, of 31–43 millimetres in females. The length of the wings is of 23–32 millimetres in males, of 25–37 millimetres in the females.

The males have a dark, metallic shining body, the color of which can be red-violet, golden or copper-colored. On the underside of the last three abdominal segments there red area, the so-called "red lantern" . The wings of males show a large dark area, while the females have a brown band to the wing tip and a metallic-green to bronze-colored body, with a brown belt on the back.

Naming

Subspecies include:
⤷  '' Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis haemorrhoidalis''
⤷  '' Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis occasi'' Capra, 1945
⤷  '' Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis asturica'' Ocharan, 1983
⤷  '' Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis almogravensis'' Hartung, 1996

Distribution

This species is native to parts of Europe and North Africa surrounding the western Mediterranean. It is common in much of its range.

Behavior

The flight time of this species ranges from May to September. The males have a characteristic mating dance, showing the abdomen end and spreading their wings wide. The male of this species is territorial, defending sites where females may choose to lay eggs.

This species can hybridize with ''Calopteryx splendens''.

Habitat

It lives along rivers and streams, but also in sunny larger waters. Though it may be affected by habitat changes such as water pollution.