Emerald Spreadwing
Lestes dryas
This record describes Lestes dryas (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
dorsal surface of thorax and abdomen metallic green; sides of body yellowish; abdomen relatively short and stout for a spreadwing; paraprocts do not extend beyond cerci
Wikipedia reference for Lestes dryas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestes_dryas.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Shady, quiet waters: woodland pools, especially temporary ones, and marshes
Geographic Range
most of North America except southeastern states also occurs in Eurasia
Seasonal Activity
mostly June and July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Female oviposits in tandem in emergent vegetation.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Kirby, 1890.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Lestes dryas. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Spreadwing
What is Emerald Spreadwing?
Emerald Spreadwing (Lestes dryas) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Emerald Spreadwing?
body 35-40 mm
How do you identify Emerald Spreadwing?
dorsal surface of thorax and abdomen metallic green; sides of body yellowish; abdomen relatively short and stout for a spreadwing; paraprocts do not extend beyond cerci
Where is Emerald Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Shady, quiet waters: woodland pools, especially temporary ones, and marshes |
| Range | most of North America except southeastern states also occurs in Eurasia |
When is Emerald Spreadwing active?
Emerald Spreadwing: seasonal activity - mostly June and July.
What is the life cycle of a Emerald Spreadwing?
Female oviposits in tandem in emergent vegetation.