Abdomen : 33-41 mm. Ailes postérieures : 27-36 mm.
Diagnose :
Les mâles ont le corps bleu-vert métallique et les ailes marquées de bleu foncé à partir du nodus mais n'atteignant pas l'extrémité (zone hyaline de 1 à 7 mm). Le bout de l'abdomen porte une tache jaune à grisâtre côté ventral. Le corps de la femelle est vert métallique, les ailes sont transparentes ou légèrement enfumées.
Détermination :
Les mâles sont relativement simples à reconnaître. La détermination des femelles est plus difficile.
Les adultes sont observés d'avril à octobre dans le sud, de mai à septembre dans le nord.
Biologie et écologie :
L'espèce se rencontre près des eaux courantes ensoleillées de basse et moyenne altitude (fleuves, ruisseaux et fossés) et parfois près des eaux stagnantes (étangs, bras morts). Elle est moins exigeante que les autres Caloptéryx quant à l'oxygénation et la pollution de l'eau. Les mâles peuvent être territoriaux et pratiquer des parades nuptiales avant de s'accoupler. La phase larvaire aquatique dure de 1 à 2 ans.
Biogéographie :
L'espèce est présente dans toute l'Europe à l'exception de la péninsule ibérique et du nord de la Scandinavie. Elle est commune en France mais absente du sud-ouest et de la Corse. On l'observe jusqu'à 1200 m d'altitude.
D'après : Grand, D., Boudot, J.-P & Doucet, G. 2014. Cahier d'identification des Libellules de France, Belgique, Luxembourg et Suisse. Collection Cahier d'identification. Biotope, Mèze : 136 pp. Grand, D. & Boudot, J.-P. 2006. Les Libellules de France, Belgique et Luxembourg. Collection Parthénope. Biotope, Mèze : 480 pp. Dijkstra, K.-D. B. 2007. Guide des libellules de France et d'Europe. Les guides du naturaliste. Delachaux & Niestlé, Paris : 320 pp.
The map presents a summary at the 10 x 10 km grid of the observation data for the species transmitted to the SINP. These data have been subjected to validation filters.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Current distribution in metropolitan France
The map presents a reference distribution layer of the species at the scale of departments and marine sectors. The presence and absence data were established by expertise within a network of partners. This reference distribution is used in the validation process of the SINP data at the INPN level.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Certain presence
Corresponds to a report on the basis of at least one observation proved within a period of 10 years (20 years for little-known invertebrates) preceding the year and no presumption of extinction since obtaining the last data nor doubt on reproductive and implemented nature of this population. For migratory species, the presence indicated concerns areas of reproduction.
Probable presence
This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
search of species incomplete but presence of supportive environments;
ecology of the species consistent with the hypothesis of his presence;
the last reliable sighting is older than 10 years compared to the reference date, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [vertebrates, invertebrates and plants well studied (rhopalocera, grasshoppers, dragonflies ...)] ;
the last reliable observation being older than 20 years, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [poorly known taxa: fungus, many invertebrates...].
Probable or certain absence
This point covers the absence, more difficult by nature to demonstrate than presence. This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
intensive but unsuccessful targeted research;
lack of adequate environments;
unobserved species while its presence is easily detected;
unlikely presence for historical or biogeographical reasons.
This status must be assigned to a department in which the presence of the species is casual.
Absence due to a proven extinction
Particular case of absence due to a proven extinction less than a half century ago (older disappearances are treated as "no probable or definite").
No information
In the state of knowledge, we can not comment on the presence or absence in the current department. This is the default status when not comprised in one of the previous categories or whenever there is doubt.