Characteristics
- Relatively large size (45–50 mm)
- Metallic body: blue, green, or bronze depending on species and sex
- Broad, rounded wings, often colored (dark, bluish, or amber)
- Fluttering, butterfly-like flight, usually slow
- Perch with wings closed or semi-open, on grasses or shrubs near water
Habitat
Calopterygidae are found along:
- Slow to moderately fast flowing streams, well oxygenated
- Sunny, vegetated riverbanks
- Forested or open rivers, sometimes natural channels
Biology
- Territorial males, perched on dominant lookout points
- Courtship displays, wing fluttering to attract females
- Mating in a “heart” position, followed by solo or tandem oviposition
- Oviposition on submerged or partially submerged vegetation
- Aquatic, elongated larvae with slow development (1–2 years), sensitive to pollution
Common Species
- Calopteryx splendens – Males with partially blue wings, females metallic green with transparent wings
- Calopteryx virgo – Males with fully dark blue wings, females bronze with amber wings
- Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, C. xanthostoma – Southern species with dark wings and colorful markings
Special Features
- Easy to observe in summer along sunny rivers
- Excellent ecological indicator of good water quality
- Slow but agile flight, visible and aesthetic behavior
- Marked sexual dimorphism (shape and coloration)
