Lestidae

Definition

A family of cosmopolitan damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera) characterized by slender, elongate bodies and the habit of resting with wings partially spread rather than folded together over the abdomen. Commonly called spreadwings or spread-winged damselflies.

Etymology

From Lestes, the type genus (Greek lestes, 'robber' or 'plunderer', possibly alluding to predatory habits), + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Lestes congener, the spotted spreadwing, perches with its wings held at roughly 45 degrees from the body axis, a posture diagnostic of Lestidae among damselflies.

Synonyms

• spreadwings
• spread-winged damselflies

Related Terms

• Odonata
• Zygoptera
• Lestes
• damselfly
• Anisoptera
• Coenagrionidae

Usage Notes

Distinguished from other damselfly families (especially Coenagrionidae, the pond damselflies) by wing posture at rest: Lestidae hold wings partially open, while Coenagrionidae fold wings tightly along the abdomen. The family is cosmopolitan but most diverse in temperate regions. Some authors recognize subfamilies Lestinae and Sympecmatinae.