Lestes vigilax

Hagen, 1862

Swamp Spreadwing

Lestes vigilax, commonly known as the swamp spreadwing, is a in the Lestidae. It is a medium-sized spreadwing damselfly with a body length of 42–55 mm. The species is found in eastern North America, ranging west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas, and south to Georgia and South Carolina. are most commonly observed between May and October.

Lestes vigilax by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Swamp Spreadwing by Mike Ostrowski from North Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.SPREADWING, SWAMP (lestes vigilax) (8-11-09) pepperill, ma -02 (3834423611) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lestes vigilax: //ˈlɛstiːz ˈvɪdʒɪlæks//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Lestes by a combination of geographic range, preference (swampy wetlands), and subtle morphological features. Specific diagnostic characters for separating L. vigilax from are not detailed in available sources. Examination of appendages and thoracic patterning may be required for definitive identification.

Images

Appearance

Medium-sized with body length 42–55 mm. As a member of Lestes, it has the characteristic spreadwing posture at rest, with wings held partially open rather than folded together above the body. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with swampy wetlands and marshy areas. The "swamp spreadwing" reflects its preference for standing water with emergent vegetation.

Distribution

Eastern North America, west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas; south to Georgia and South Carolina; north through southern Ontario. Present in Vermont.

Seasonality

most commonly observed between May and October.

Similar Taxa

  • Lestes dryasAnother spreadwing in same ; L. dryas is Near Threatened and associated with ditch in Europe, while L. vigilax is widespread in North America
  • Other Lestes speciesCongeneric spreadwings share similar body form and resting posture; require careful examination of morphological details for separation

More Details

Conservation status

Not assessed as threatened; appears to be widespread and relatively common within its range based on iNaturalist observation count of 4428 records.

Nomenclature

First described by Hagen in 1862, published in Selys' work on Odonata.

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Sources and further reading