Sweetflag Spreadwing
Lestes forcipatus
This record describes Lestes forcipatus (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Dark, male has variable shoulder stripes. Female has very large ovipositor, rather distinctive.
Wikipedia reference for Lestes forcipatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetflag_spreadwing.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ponds, bogs, lakes, streams with emergent grasses, sedges.
Geographic Range
Includes northeastern North America.
Seasonal Activity
Summer-fall. June-September (Maine). May-October (Virginia).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Rambur, 1842.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Lestes forcipatus. 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 Sweetflag Spreadwing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ted Kropiewnicki
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetflag Spreadwing
What is Sweetflag Spreadwing?
Sweetflag Spreadwing (Lestes forcipatus) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Sweetflag Spreadwing?
Length 33-43 mm
How do you identify Sweetflag Spreadwing?
Dark, male has variable shoulder stripes. Female has very large ovipositor, rather distinctive.
Where is Sweetflag Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds, bogs, lakes, streams with emergent grasses, sedges. |
| Range | Includes northeastern North America. |
When is Sweetflag Spreadwing active?
Sweetflag Spreadwing: seasonal activity - Summer-fall. June-September (Maine). May-October (Virginia)..