Carolina Spreadwing
Lestes vidua
This record describes Lestes vidua (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to Common Spreadwing, Lestes disjunctus . Carolina is more slender and has rusty brown shoulder stripes.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Temporary or permanent ponds with emergent grasses.
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States: North Carolina, south to Florida, west to Alabama.
Seasonal Activity
February-December in Florida, but most common in fall. March-November (Georgia).
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 vidua. 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 Carolina Spreadwing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ted Kropiewnicki
Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina Spreadwing
What is Carolina Spreadwing?
Carolina Spreadwing (Lestes vidua) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Carolina Spreadwing?
According to Dunkle , size similar to Common Spreadwing (36-45 mm).
How do you identify Carolina Spreadwing?
Very similar to Common Spreadwing, Lestes disjunctus . Carolina is more slender and has rusty brown shoulder stripes.
Where is Carolina Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Temporary or permanent ponds with emergent grasses. |
| Range | Southeastern United States: North Carolina, south to Florida, west to Alabama. |
When is Carolina Spreadwing active?
Carolina Spreadwing: seasonal activity - February-December in Florida, but most common in fall. March-November (Georgia)..