demoisele

Demoiselle refers to a genus of damselflies in the family Calopterygidae. The term can also refer to a specific species within this genus, most commonly the Beautiful Demoiselle, Calopteryx virgo. These damselflies are characterized by their slender bodies and large, colorful wings, which are often iridescent. The Beautiful Demoiselle, for example, has deep blue to violet wings in males and brown wings in females.

Demoiselles are typically found near clear, slow-moving water bodies such as rivers, streams, and ponds, where they breed. Both the larvae and adults are predatory. The larvae live in the water and feed on small aquatic invertebrates, while the adults capture flying insects. They are often seen perching on vegetation along the water's edge.

The life cycle of a demoiselle involves several larval instars before metamorphosis into the adult form. They are an indicator species, meaning their presence and population health can reflect the quality of their aquatic habitat. Conservation efforts often focus on maintaining healthy riparian zones and water quality to support these damselflies. The genus Calopteryx is distributed across Europe and Asia.