Lestidae

Common Name

Spreadwings or Spread-winged damselflies

Overview

The family Lestidae, commonly known as spreadwings, comprises a group of damselflies known for their distinctive wing positions. Unlike other damselflies, which hold their wings close to their body when at rest, spreadwings keep their wings partially open, giving them a name that reflects this unique feature.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Odonata
• Suborder: Zygoptera
• Family: Lestidae

Key Characteristics

• Wings: Partially spread and held in a unique oblique angle when at rest.
• Body: Typically slender and elongated.
• Coloration: Often metallic green or bronze.
• Eyes: Large and widely spaced.
• Habitat: Freestanding water bodies, including ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams.

Life Cycle

1. Eggs: Laid in aquatic vegetation or submerged objects.
2. Nymphs: Aquatic with gills for underwater respiration; feed on small aquatic invertebrates.
3. Adult: Emerge from water, undergo a final molt, and take flight; lifespan of several weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions.

Behavior and Ecology

• Diet: Nymphs feed on small aquatic invertebrates; adults predation includes flying insects like mosquitoes and aphids.
• Habitat Preference: Still or slow-moving waters with rich vegetation.
• Reproduction: Mating involves the male grasping the female behind the head, leading to the formation of a heart-shaped "mating wheel."

Notable Species

• Lestes viridis: Commonly known as the Willow Emerald Damselfly.
• Lestes dryas: Known as the Emerald Spreadwing.
• Lestes sponsa: The Common Spreadwing.
• Lestes barbarus: The Migrant Spreadwing.

Conservation

Some species within the family Lestidae are considered to be at risk due to habitat destruction, pollution, and changes in water quality. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring wetland habitats.

Significance to Humans

• Ecological Services: They help control insect populations, including pest species.
• Bioindicators: Can serve as indicators of ecological health due to their sensitivity to water quality and habitat changes.
• Educational Value: An important subject of study for understanding aquatic ecosystems and insect life cycles.

Fun Fact

• Spreadwings can often be observed perching with their bodies angled outward, which is thought to make them appear larger to potential predators.
• Some spreadwing species migrate considerable distances in search of suitable habitats.
• The iridescent colors found in many Lestidae result from structural coloration, not pigments.