Cyprus Dragonflies

April 22-27, 2012:
Prolonged wet weather during the past winter has resulted in some of the best dragonfly pools such as those below the Asprokremnos dam being washed away by the fast outflowing water whilst flooded ground near other pools as at Phassouri made them unapproachable. The best views were at shady streamsides such as near Kidasi where Epallage fatime (Odalisques) and Calopterxy splendens (Banded Demoiselles) were frequent. The Epallage are especially interesting as they occupy a taxonomic position between the Demoiselles and the Lestes (Emerald damselfly) species, all of which perch with their wings spread rather than closed.

Males (above)

Female

A tandem pair

Female Banded Demoiselle

DRAGONFLY: Banded Demoiselles have emerged at Brockholes Wetlands

May 11, 2011:
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens) are now flying here. Several males showing their beautiful metallic-blue colouring were resting in the long grass adjacent to the Meadow Pool reed beds. At this date there was no sign of the females which have browner wings lacking the dark banding and a greener thorax and abdomen.




[Males above, female below]