Lestes eurinus

Say, 1840

Amber-winged Spreadwing

Lestes eurinus, the amber-winged spreadwing, is a of in the Lestidae. It is found in eastern North America. The species exhibits facultative voltinism, with capable of completing development in either one or two years depending on environmental conditions. Its is closely tied to temporary pond , where larvae develop in fishless waters.

Lestes eurinus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Amber-winged spreadwing 13895000 jun 29 2018 by Reuven Martin. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lestes eurinus: /ˈlɛstiːz juːˈraɪnəs/

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Identification

As a member of the Lestidae, Lestes eurinus holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, distinguishing it from most other which hold wings parallel to the body. The "amber-winged spreadwing" likely refers to wing coloration, though specific diagnostic features for separating this from are not detailed in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Temporary ponds and wetlands with fishless waters; breeding sites require hydroperiods sufficient for larval development. Females have been observed ovipositing specifically in emergent bur-reed (Sparganium americanum).

Distribution

Eastern North America. Specific records include Vermont and North Carolina, with the present across the eastern United States and potentially adjacent Canada.

Seasonality

begins in early May and lasts approximately two months, being temperature-dependent. Oviposition occurs during June and July. Larval growth is rapid from July to mid-October, arrested by late October, with occurring in the three stages preceding the ultimate instar. Growth resumes in March and continues rapidly until emergence. occurs from mid-July to mid-August.

Life Cycle

Approximately one year under typical conditions, though facultatively semivoltine (two-year development) depending on environmental conditions. occurs, enabling survival through dry periods and winter. The overwinters in late larval instars. Rapid larval growth occurs in summer months with development arrested in late autumn.