Wisconsin Odonata Survey title graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic Wisconsin Odonata Survey graphic

Lestes congener
Spotted Spreadwing

Hagen, 1861
Lestidae, Spreadwing Family
photo of Male spotted spreadwing
Male spotted spreadwing — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S5
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The spotted spreadwing male has a thorax with black above and spots on lower part. The abdomen is mostly black with a blue-gray tip. The female has a dark brown thorax with pale shoulder stripes and pale gray sides. The abdomen is dark above and pale brown to gray on sides. The male is usually elongated with the female more sturdy.The length of the body varies from 1.2 to 1.7 inches. Both sexes have dark spots on the lower part of the thorax, darker than the sweetflag spreadwing. The colors are obscured by pruinosity as the spreadwings age, especially in males. The legs are long and slender. It is very similar to the northern spreadwing. It also has some characteristics in common with the lyre-tipped spreadwing. Under magnification, it is easily separated from other spreadwings by the shape of the terminal appendages.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species is common throughout Canada and United States. It is usually found at a variety of wetlands, including ponds, slow streams, swamps, and lakeshores. It is a common late-season damselfly in northern Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early July to late October in Wisconsin.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male spotted spreadwing
Male spotted spreadwing — Dan Jackson
photo of Male spotted spreadwing
Male spotted spreadwing — Dan Jackson
photo of Close-up of male spotted spreadwing thorax
Close-up of male spotted spreadwing thorax — Dan Jackson
photo of Side (top image) and top view of male spotted spreadwing cerci
Side (top image) and top view of male spotted spreadwing cerci — Dan Jackson
photo of Female spotted spreadwing
Female spotted spreadwing — Dan Jackson
photo of Female spotted spreadwing
Female spotted spreadwing — Dan Jackson
photo of Spotted spreadwings in wheel
Spotted spreadwings in wheel — Mike Reese
This site is produced in conjunction with the Wisconsin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Inventory and sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The information presented on this site is subject to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Legal Notices, Disclaimers, and Terms of Use.