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Lestes dryas
Emerald 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

Photograph

© Jeremy Gatten     (Photo ID #64038)

Map

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Distribution of Lestes dryas in British Columbia.
(Click on the map to view a larger version.)
Source: (for the static map) RBCM and BCCDC 2004 ©

Species Information


Description

The thorax top is metallic green. The end of the female's ovipositor reaches the tip of the abdomen. Length: ♂ 36 mm, ♀ 35 mm.


Flight Period

B.C., late May to mid September; Yukon, early July to late August.

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

Usually the first spreadwing to emerge in the year. In the south, it is common in early summer, especially around small ponds and places that may dry up in summer. It is less common northwards and uncommon in the Yukon.

Distribution


Widespread; also across nothern Eurasia. Throughout most of B.C., and in Yukon valleys north to the Porcupine River drainage.

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeS5YellowNot Listed



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