Stream Spreadwings - Archilestes
These are very large damselflies with a more robust built than the Pond Spreadwings
of this family. The male eyes are light blue or green, labrum light blue or pale
green, pale stripes on the lateral thorax. Abdomen is generally dark blue,
gray or dark metallic green. Mature males develop a pruinosity on the tip of the
abdomen.
Females are generally larger and more robust. Their coloration is tan to brown
with black markings, with no metallic highlights .
They are typically found in slow-moving streams, sometimes ponds and ditches.
Males can be seen perched on tall grasses and branches at the water's edge or
patrolling over the water's surface guarding their territory. Pairs oviposit in
woody steams, sometimes well above the water. Our specie Archileste
grandis is a not so old migrant from the Southwest.
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