15-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - ORANGE FEATHERLEG DAMSELFLY (Platycnemis acutipennis)

The "Orange Featherleg" (Platycnemis acutipennis) is a unique species of damselfly found primarily in southwestern Europe. It gets its name from the distinctly widened, feather-like tibia on its legs. The male is the only European damselfly that sports a striking orange-red abdomen and brilliant blue eyes.

Key Physical & Behavioral Facts

Distinctive Coloration: Males feature a bright orange-red abdomen and blue eyes, while females have a duller orange or yellowish body.

Feathered Legs: Both males and females have enlarged, paddle-like white or pale legs covered in long, feather-like hairs.

Size: They are slender and dainty insects, measuring roughly 30 to 35 mm long with an abdomen about 1 mm thick.

Habitat & DistributionGeographical Range: These damselflies are primarily concentrated in France, Portugal, and Spain.Preferred Environment: They are typically found near lowland rivers, but can adapt to a variety of aquatic ecosystems including slow-moving streams and standing waters.

Prey: Like other damselflies, they are agile aerial predators that feed on small, flying insects.

11-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ORANGE FEATHERLEG DAMSELFLY (Platycnemis acutipennis)

Platycnemis acutipennis, known as the orange featherleg or the orange white-legged damselfly, is a species of damselfly in the family Platycnemididae.

Platycnemis acutipennis is the only European damselfly which combines an orange-red abdomen and blue eyes. The male has moderately wide hind tibias (wider in both P. pennipes and P. latipes; and the males of both those species have blue abdomens). The thorax is buff-coloured with black stripes. There is an orange spot near the tip of each wing. The sexes are similar.

Platycnemis acutipennis lives in fresh water, either still or up to moderately fast-flowing.

Platycnemis acutipennis is common and widely distributed across the southwest of Europe including Portugal, Spain, and France; it is endemic to that area. There are however some recent records from Germany.