Lestes congener facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lestes congener |
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| Lestes congener in Toronto, Canada | |
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L. congener
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| Lestes congener Hagen, 1861
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Lestes congener is a cool type of damselfly. It belongs to a group called Lestidae, which are often called "spreadwings." You might know this damselfly by its common name, the spotted spreadwing.
Contents
About the Spotted Spreadwing
Size and Appearance
The Lestes congener damselfly is quite interesting! Male damselflies can grow to be about 35–42 millimetres (1.4–1.7 in) long. That's roughly the length of a paperclip! Females are a bit smaller, usually reaching 32–38 millimetres (1.3–1.5 in). Interestingly, these damselflies are a little bigger if they live in the western parts of their home range.
Their body, called the thorax, is a slaty gray color on top. They have two long, dark spots on their sides. These spots are why they are called "spotted spreadwings"! Male damselflies have bright blue eyes. Female damselflies, however, always have brown eyes.
Body and Wings
The main part of their body, the abdomen, is grayish to blackish. It often has a cool bronze shine. The last two parts of their abdomen are a pale gray. Their wings are completely clear and see-through.
When these damselflies rest, they hold their wings in a special way. They keep them open at about a 45-degree angle from their body. This is a common trait for damselflies in the Lestidae family.
Life Cycle
The young damselflies, called larvae, are light brown. They can grow up to 25 millimeters long. Adult damselflies are usually seen flying from late July until the middle of September.
Where They Live
This damselfly species is found all over North America. You can spot them in many parts of Canada and the United States. However, they are not usually found in the southeastern states of the U.S.
Their Home
The spotted spreadwing damselfly likes to live near water. They can be found along the edges of ponds that always have water. They also live near ponds that fill up with water only sometimes. You might see them by flooded river banks or in slow-moving water. Marshes and swamps are also favorite places for these damselflies to call home.
