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Pond Spreadwings - Lestes

SpreadwingMost 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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