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spotted spreadwing

spotted spreadwing (Lestes congener) [female] [male]
Photo © Mary Kay Rubey

Features and Behaviors

FEATURES
The spotted spreadwing is 1.2 to 1.7 inches long, is mostly black, metallic, and with long tibial spurs. The thorax is ashy grey below and has small yellow/brown stripes above. Males have large blue eyes and have a blue-tipped abdomen. Females have thicker abdomens, with more yellow and brown color on the sides. Can only be differentiated from look-alike species (northern- , sweetflag- , and lyre tipped- spreadwings) in hand by observing reproductive appendages. Color pattern changes with maturity. 

BEHAVIORS
The spotted spreadwing is among the latest in the season to fly, from July to September. They occupy ponds and lakes of all sizes in the northern quarter of Illinois. Those in the genus Lestes hold their wings open when perched, unlike all other damselflies, unless at night, while being hunted, or during bad weather. Abdomen is usually pointed down when perched. They hang out in trees and plants when no mating or feeding. Females deposit eggs singly, while male patrols. 

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Lestidae

Illinois Status: common, native