Slender Spreadwing
Lestes rectangularis
This record describes Lestes rectangularis (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Wide gray shoulder stripe on female, abdomen dark with tan along sides. Male has very long dark abdomen, about twice as long as wings, usually lacks pruinosity at tip.
Wikipedia reference for Lestes rectangularis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestes_rectangularis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ponds, lakes, marshes and quiet streams. Often encountered away from water.
Geographic Range
Eastern half of US
Seasonal Activity
Early May to early November (New Jersey).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females lay eggs in emergent vegetation, alone or in tandem with male.
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 rectangularis. 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 Slender Spreadwing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ted Kropiewnicki
Frequently Asked Questions About Slender Spreadwing
What is Slender Spreadwing?
Slender Spreadwing (Lestes rectangularis) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Slender Spreadwing?
37-53mm long
How do you identify Slender Spreadwing?
Wide gray shoulder stripe on female, abdomen dark with tan along sides. Male has very long dark abdomen, about twice as long as wings, usually lacks pruinosity at tip.
Where is Slender Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds, lakes, marshes and quiet streams. Often encountered away from water. |
| Range | Eastern half of US |
When is Slender Spreadwing active?
Slender Spreadwing: seasonal activity - Early May to early November (New Jersey)..
What is the life cycle of a Slender Spreadwing?
Females lay eggs in emergent vegetation, alone or in tandem with male.