Spotted Spreadwing
Lestes congener
This record describes Lestes congener (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Two black spots on the ventrolateral surface of the thorax are diagnostic and give the species its common name; thorax black dorsally.
Wikipedia reference for Lestes congener: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestes_congener.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
margins of ponds, marshes, swamps and sometimes slow-moving water
Geographic Range
most of North America except southeastern states (LA FL GA SC NC)
Seasonal Activity
latest of the spreadwings; late summer through fall, sometimes into November
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Hagen, 1861.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Lestes congener. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Spotted Spreadwing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ted Kropiewnicki , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Spotted Spreadwing
What is Spotted Spreadwing?
Spotted Spreadwing (Lestes congener) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Spotted Spreadwing?
body 30-40 mm
How do you identify Spotted Spreadwing?
Two black spots on the ventrolateral surface of the thorax are diagnostic and give the species its common name; thorax black dorsally.
Where is Spotted Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | margins of ponds, marshes, swamps and sometimes slow-moving water |
| Range | most of North America except southeastern states (LA FL GA SC NC) |
When is Spotted Spreadwing active?
Spotted Spreadwing: seasonal activity - latest of the spreadwings; late summer through fall, sometimes into November.