Lestidae, Spreadwing Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
What was formerly known as the common spreadwing has two forms that are now each considered valid species; the northern spreadwing (Lestes disjunctus) and the larger southern spreadwing (Lestes australis). These species are difficult to distinguish from each other, and from the similar sweetflag spreadwing. The female of the sweetflag spreadwing is readily identified by her extremely long ovipositor. However, the males of the three species can only be separated by subtle differences in the shapes of the terminal appendages, hamular processes, and apical hood at the tip of the abdomen. The length of the adult averages about 1.5 inches. The male's thorax is dark above with thin tan, green, or blue shoulder stripes and pale sides that become pruinose with age. The male's abdomen is dark above, with the sides having dark ventro-lateral marks on a pale background and a pruinose gray tip when mature. The female is colored similarly to the male, but she does not develop pruinosity.
Description of Habitat/Range:
The range of this species is widespread throughout the central and eastern United States south of Wisconsin. It is found at a variety of lentic habitats with emergent vegetation, including ponds, swamps, marshes, and slow streams that will usually have few or no fish. In Wisconsin, it is an early season migrant and spring populations can vary from year to year depending on weather and other conditions. It is most likely to be found in the southern half of the state. However, they have been found in small numbers in northern Wisconsin including Douglas, Bayfield, Price, and Forest counties. At this point, it is believed that this species is migratory but resident populations are possible.
Flight Season:
Late April through June for northbound migrants (our earliest mature Spreadwings). Tenerals emerge in late July and August and probably fly south shortly after emergence.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
