Amber-winged Spreadwing
Lestes eurinus
This record describes Lestes eurinus (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Male metallic green, often with extensive pruinosity. Female with distinctive yellow patches on side of thorax. Both have amber wings, but this can be difficult to see in the field.
Wikipedia reference for Lestes eurinus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestes.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ponds (often temporary ones), bogs, lakes without fish.
Geographic Range
Northeastern North America
Seasonal Activity
Summer. May-August (Virginia). June-August (Maine).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Say, 1839.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Lestes eurinus. 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 Amber-winged Spreadwing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ted Kropiewnicki
Frequently Asked Questions About Amber-winged Spreadwing
What is Amber-winged Spreadwing?
Amber-winged Spreadwing (Lestes eurinus) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Amber-winged Spreadwing?
Length 42-52 mm
How do you identify Amber-winged Spreadwing?
Male metallic green, often with extensive pruinosity. Female with distinctive yellow patches on side of thorax. Both have amber wings, but this can be difficult to see in the field.
Where is Amber-winged Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds (often temporary ones), bogs, lakes without fish. |
| Range | Northeastern North America |
When is Amber-winged Spreadwing active?
Amber-winged Spreadwing: seasonal activity - Summer. May-August (Virginia). June-August (Maine)..