[1] Subspecies include:[2] This species is native to the western Mediterranean Basin in Europe (Iberia, southern France, Italy, Monaco) and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia).

[5] The males have a dark, metallic shining body, the color of which can be red-violet, golden or copper-colored.

[6] The wings of males show a large dark area, while the females have a brown band to the wing tip and a metallic-green to bronze-colored body, with a brown belt on the back.

The males have a characteristic mating dance, showing the abdomen end and spreading their wings wide.

The male of this species is territorial, defending sites where females may choose to lay eggs.