Archilestes

Distinguished from other Lestidae by larger size (41–60 mm), more robust build, relatively short wings, and absence of metallic bronze or green coloration. Males identified by blue eyes and pincer-like terminal appendages. The wing-spreading resting posture is shared with other Lestidae but differs from most damselflies that fold wings together above the abdomen.

Adults range from 41 to 60 mm in length, making them among the largest damselflies. They have a robust build with relatively short wings compared to their elongated abdomens. Coloration is tan to brown with black markings; they lack the metallic bronze or green highlights seen in the related genus Lestes. Males have blue eyes and pincer-like terminal abdominal appendages. Females have brown eyes, a more rounded abdominal tip, and a well-developed ovipositor. Naiads (larvae) are long and slender, 25–30 mm, dark brown with a light stripe along the center of the abdomen.

Found near slow-moving streams with overhanging alder or willow trees, as well as wetlands, ponds, and temporary pools. Breeds in heavily vegetated water gardens with unpolluted water. Naiads inhabit pools and backwaters.

Restricted to the Americas. A. grandis and A. californicus occur in North and Central America; A. grandis has expanded northward and eastward since the 1920s. Several species endemic to Central America (A. latialatus, A. neblina, A. regalis, A. tuberalatus). A. exoletus and A. guayaraca occur in South America.

Adults are predators of small flying insects. Naiads prey on aquatic invertebrates including mosquito larvae, mayfly larvae, and freshwater shrimp.

Females oviposit in woody stems and plant tissue overhanging water, not in aquatic vegetation. Eggs laid in tandem with male clasping female; up to 230 eggs laid over 15 minutes to 3 hours. Naiads are active underwater hunters and vigorous swimmers; some species float near the water surface for extended periods. Naiads can be observed in winter basking in sun-warmed shallow water. Adults live approximately six months after emergence.

Rest with wings spread at an angle to the body, the characteristic posture of Lestidae. May close wings during poor weather, nightfall, predator threat, or male harassment of females. Males perch over water and defend small territories, seizing females upon arrival. When startled, individuals often return to the same perch or a nearby one.

Predators as adults and larvae; naiads may contribute to mosquito population control through predation on larvae.

Readily breeds in water gardens with unpolluted water. A. grandis is common over much of the U.S. and may be mistaken for a dragonfly due to its large size.

• LestesLestes species have metallic bronze or green highlights and are generally smaller and less robust than Archilestes
• Other damselfly familiesMost other damselflies rest with wings folded together above the abdomen, not spread at an angle

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: New Mexico Dragonfly Blitz - Day 3