Rain Fly vs Banded Demoiselle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rain Fly Banded Demoiselle
Scientific Name Haematopota crassicornis Calopteryx splendens
Order Diptera Odonata
Family Tabanidae Calopterygidae
Size 9-12 mm 45-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Central Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rain Fly

A medium-sized cleg with mottled grey wings and iridescent green eyes. It is most active in humid overcast weather before thunderstorms.

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Did You Know?

Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.

Banded Demoiselle

A striking damselfly with metallic blue-green body and distinctive dark wing patches in males. It frequents slow-flowing rivers and streams across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Males perform an elaborate fluttering courtship display flight, hovering in front of females to show off their iridescent wing patches.