Caliphaea confusa

Family Calopterygidae

Caliphaea confusa

Hagen in Selys, 1959

Elevation range 800m to 2000m

Abdomen Length 36 to 40mm

Locations Godavari, Shiva Puri

Bronze-backed Demoiselles - Caliphaea confusa is found in dense pristine forests with small streams usually at higher elevations. It is found south of Kathmandu in the National Botanic Garden, in the ICIMOD wetland, and on the north side of the Kathmandu Valley. They are emerald green as juveniles then turn bronze as they age. They are among the first to appear in early April and disappear before monsoon late May to mid-June. They are weak fliers and are often found resting on ferns near water seepages, breeding in slow jungle streams usually above 1000m.

Male

A mature female above and a male below show the striking bronze coloration.

Female