E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Lestes congener
Spotted Spreadwing
Family: Lestidae

Species account author: Robert Cannings.
Extracted from Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon (2002)

Introduction to the Odonata of BC
The Families of Odonata of BC

Distribution of Lestes congener in British Columbia

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Species Information

Description

Thorax is dark brown or black with narrow pale stripes; the pale underside has several (usually three) dark spots on each side. Length: ♂ ♀ 40 mm.

Flight Period

B.C., early June to mid November (flight before early July is unusual).

Genus Description

Large damselflies, brown, black, metallic-green or bronze above, mostly pale below. As they age, parts of the body, including the tip of the abdomen in males, often become pruinose bluish white. Females lay eggs in tandem with males, usually in plants above the surface of the water. The larvae are long and slender with banded gills and an unusually elongated labium. Some species are adapted to temporary ponds; the eggs overwinter and the larvae grow rapidly after the basin fills with water in the winter or spring.

Biology

Family Description

A small but widely distributed family in B.C., containing only one genus here, Lestes, with five species. The common name comes from the characteristic posture of the adults - they usually perch with wings half-spread.

Field Notes

Common in many types of wetlands, from alkaline ponds to cattail marshes, lake and peatlands. In B.C., it emerges later than any other spreadwings and is the last damselfly seen in autumn.

Distribution

Widespread. And widespread in B.C., especially in the south.

Status Information

Origin Status	Provincial Status	BC List (Red Blue List)	COSEWIC
Native	S5	Yellow	Not Listed

BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Taxonomic details from OdonataCentral

Additional Photo Sources

Photos from OdonataCentral
Flickr Image Search
Google Image Search
Images from Calphoto

General References

Searchable Dragonfly & Damselfly Bibliography, 1773 - present
Google Scholar Search

Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2023-10-02 11:47:50 AM]

Disclaimer: The information contained in an E-Fauna BC atlas pages is derived from expert sources as cited (with permission) in each section. This information is scientifically based. E-Fauna BC also acts as a portal to other sites via deep links. As always, users should refer to the original sources for complete information. E-Fauna BC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the original information.