Swamp Spreadwing
Lestes vigilax
This record describes Lestes vigilax (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Large, metallic colored, male has brilliant blue eyes, female brown eyes. Compare Common Spreadwing, L. disjunctus, and Sweetflag Spreadwing, L. forcipatus. Southern populations of this speces are dark, less emerald green than northern populations. Identification of Lestes species is difficult. See Lam for discussion. A common and widespread Spreadwing.
Wikipedia reference for Lestes vigilax: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestes_vigilax.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Shaded vegetated ponds, swamps, usually more acidic waters.
Geographic Range
Eastern North America: southeastern Canada south to Florida, west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas.
Seasonal Activity
May-October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory
Life History
Oviposition is done in tandem in stalks of emergent vegetation, just above waterline.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Hagen in Selys, 1862.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Lestes vigilax. 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 Swamp Spreadwing (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Ted Kropiewnicki
Frequently Asked Questions About Swamp Spreadwing
What is Swamp Spreadwing?
Swamp Spreadwing (Lestes vigilax) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Swamp Spreadwing?
Length 42-55 mm
How do you identify Swamp Spreadwing?
Large, metallic colored, male has brilliant blue eyes, female brown eyes. Compare Common Spreadwing, L. disjunctus, and Sweetflag Spreadwing, L. forcipatus. Southern populations of this speces are dark, less emerald green than northern populations. Identification of Lestes species is difficult. See Lam for discussion.
Where is Swamp Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Shaded vegetated ponds, swamps, usually more acidic waters. |
| Range | Eastern North America: southeastern Canada south to Florida, west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas. |
What does Swamp Spreadwing eat?
The diet of the Swamp Spreadwing includes Predatory.
When is Swamp Spreadwing active?
Swamp Spreadwing: seasonal activity - May-October.
What is the life cycle of a Swamp Spreadwing?
Oviposition is done in tandem in stalks of emergent vegetation, just above waterline.