The Beautiful Demoiselle certainly lives up to its name and must rank as one of the most delightful of all flying insects to be seen in Argyll and the Isles. The metallic sheen of the abdomens of both sexes is electrifying and the behaviour of these insects as they dance overflowing water is little short of mesmerising.

 

Such behaviour and their distinctive appearance make both sexes readily identifiable, although you need to be careful when separating males from females early in the season when more immatures may be present. Females (whether adult or immature) always have brown-coloured wings, each with a white spot. The iridescent blue of the male's wings develops in the first week or so after emerging, but they are initially brown with a pale spot just like a female's.

 

This dynamic damselfly is often common wherever it is found, but it has a rather strange distribution in Britain. It is widespread throughout much of Wales and southern England, but sporadic in its appearance throughout other parts of the latter.  Argyll and the Isles support the stronghold of the Beautiful Demoiselle in Scotland and have a responsibility for the future well-being of this insect that goes with this status.

 

Females are much less conspicuous than the flamboyant males, preferring to stay away from water until they are ready to be mated. Said to be skittish when approached, male Beautiful Demoiselles are territorial and reluctant to go too far from their patch of running water. If you are circumspect and patient you can be guaranteed some up-close-and-personal experiences with these most balletic of Argyll's dragonfly family. Sit or stand awhile and one may even happily alight on your hand!