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Pond Spreadwings - Lestes
 Most species are medium to large in size, slender
with elongate abdomens. Mature male eyes are usually blue with a paler
blue to white below, a pale blue labrum. Male thorax is generally
metallic green, dark bronze or black. Abdomen is black.
Individuals become pruinose on the thorax and abdomen with age,
sometimes obscuring the entire thorax and abdomen. In some species
there may be an amber tint to the wings. Mature male color pattern is
sufficiently varied making identification difficult. In some species,
the only way to make a positive identification is to examine the male
appendages under magnification. When trying to identify the female, the
size and shape of the ovipositor is helpful. Juveniles make take
on a duller coloration, some bronze with markings that are not well
defined making identification almost impossible.
Females appear somewhat dull with a bronze
or metallic green on the upper surfaces, and yellow or pale green below.
They generally have brown eyes and labrum
These damselflies are found at ponds, lakes, swamps or marshes with
emergent vegetation. They perch obliquely with their wings spread, thus
their name "spreadwings".
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