Spreadwings

Lestidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Lestidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lestidae: /ˈlɛ.stɪˌdiː/

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Images

Summary

The Lestidae family, known commonly as the spreadwings or spread-winged damselflies, is characterized by slender bodies, distinctive wing posture, and a tendency to inhabit still waters. They are distinguished from other damselflies by how they hold their wings and their unique body features such as the elongated pterostigma.

Physical Characteristics

Body length 31.75-50.8 mm (1.25-2 inches); clear wings typically held diverged above the body at rest; elongated pterostigma; greenish metallic shine on the body; male claspers are long and strongly curved.

Identification Tips

Look for wings held at an angle away from the body when at rest, and check for the elongated pterostigma and acute angle in the quadrilateral part of the wing.

Habitat

Breeding occurs in slow-moving or still water in stream backwaters, swamps, marshes, and temporary pools.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan distribution, commonly found in North America.

Diet

Nymphs are predatory, typically feeding on small aquatic organisms; adults feed on smaller flying insects.

Life Cycle

One generation per year in North American species; nymphs have a long abdomen and distinctive prementum.

Reproduction

Males grasp females with their superior anal appendages (claspers) during copulation.

Ecosystem Role

Predators in aquatic ecosystems, helping to control populations of small aquatic organisms.