Lestes congener
| Lestes congener | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Lestes congener in Toronto, Canada | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Family: | Lestidae |
| Genus: | Lestes |
| Species: | L. congener |
| Binomial name | |
| Lestes congener Hagen, 1861 | |
Lestes congener, common name Spotted Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae.
Description
Lestes congener can reach a length of 35–42 millimetres (1.4–1.7 in) in males, while females are smaller, reaching a length of 32–38 millimetres (1.3–1.5 in). In the western part of their range, these dragonflies are somewhat larger than in the eastern part.
The thorax is slaty gray dorsally, with two dark elongated spots (hence the common name) on the latero-ventral surface. The eyes are blue in males, while in the females they are always brown. The abdomen is greyish to blackish with bronze reflections, the last two segments of the abdomen are pale gray. The wings are clear and transparent. Like other damselflies of the family Lestidae they hold their wings at about 45 degrees to the body when resting. The larvae are light brown and up to 25 millimeters long. The time of flight of the adults ranges from late July to mid-September.
Distribution
This species is widespread throughout North America, in Canada and in the United States except in the southeastern states (LA FL GA SC NC).
Habitat
These damselflies mainly live on the banks of permanent and temporary water-filled ponds, on flooded river banks and on slow-moving water, on marshes and on swamps.
References
- Lorus Milne, Margery Milne: Field Guide to Insects and Spiders. National Audubon Society, Chantacleer Press, 1980; S. 384
- Martin Schorr, Martin Lindeboom, Dennis Paulson World Odonata List
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System
External links