Jewel of the Stream: The Beautiful Demoiselle in Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the enchanting Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), or "bosbeekjuffer" in Dutch. This damselfly is renowned for its metallic blue-green body and shimmering wings, making it a captivating subject for nature enthusiasts.

The Beautiful Demoiselle thrives along unpolluted, fast-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly beds, often bordered by lush vegetation. Males are territorial, perching on bankside plants to defend their domain and attract females. Their presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as they are sensitive to water quality and habitat changes.

Capturing this delicate insect with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens was a rewarding challenge. Its graceful flight and vibrant colors highlight the rich biodiversity of Kampina. Moments like these underscore the importance of preserving our natural habitats for future generations to appreciate.

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This baby huntsman spider was fascinated with my first pink eraser prints, and stayed for hours. The next day I decided to ease him out of his reverie (he was staring in the direction of the bee) with a high five to the leg he was holding up. (I went extremely slowly with my finger tip until it touched the tip of his leg.) He pulled the leg back momentarily but didn’t seem bothered. I then then moved my finger forward again, but this time stopped short just underneath his leg to see if he would tap me back, and he did. Made my day. I decided to put him on a flower outside as a thank you. He was hesitant at first to leave the paper, but when I found the right flower, he scrambled on. #pinkeraserart #insectencounters #spider #linocut