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Spotted spreadwing

Spotted spreadwing

Lestes congener

A species of Pond spreadwings

The spotted spreadwing (Lestes congener) is a small grey damselfly with transparent wings and blue eyes, making them striking and beautiful insects. Females have brown eyes. Given that they are damselflies, they tend to hang about slow-moving water patches. These are typically anything from ponds to marshes.

General Info About Spotted spreadwing
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Attributes of Spotted spreadwing
Colors
Black
White
Habitat
wetland
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, moths
Larva Food Source
Mosquito larvae, other aquatic insect larvae, small tadpoles, aquatic worms, daphnia
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Spotted spreadwing is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
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Species Status of Spotted spreadwing
It is widespread throughout North America, in Canada and in the United States except in the southeastern states.
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Adult Size of Spotted spreadwing
Male 3.5 - 4 cm, female 3 - 4 cm
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Predators of Spotted spreadwing Larvae
Frogs, toads, fish, aquatic invertebrates like larger dragonfly larvae and beetles, birds
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Predators of Adult Spotted spreadwing
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Spotted spreadwing
Spotted spreadwing has the ability to remain immobile, camouflaged as a stick among vegetation, which helps it ambush prey unexpectedly.
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Scientific Classification of Spotted spreadwing
Tips for Finding Spotted spreadwing
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Youth Habitat of Spotted spreadwing
Freshwater Habitats
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Habitat Preferences of Spotted spreadwing Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of spotted spreadwing are typically laid in stems and on floating vegetation in still or slow-moving freshwater sources, such as ponds, marshes, or the calm edges of streams. The naiad or naiad stage of spotted spreadwing thrives submerged in similar aquatic environments, often clinging to submerged plants or debris, where they ambush prey. To find these naiads, one should carefully inspect beneath the water surface among aquatic vegetation. The adult spotted spreadwing can usually be found hunting or resting in vegetation around these water bodies. To spot adults, searching the banks and overhanging plants during the day, when they are most active, is recommended.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Spotted spreadwing
The best time to find adult spotted spreadwing is during warm, sunny days, typically from late spring through early fall when they are most active. For the aquatic naiads, they can be found throughout the year in suitable aquatic habitats.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Spotted spreadwing
Adult spotted spreadwing prefer warm and sunny weather with light winds for flying and hunting. Excessively rainy or windy weather may reduce their activity. naiads stage can be unaffected by surface weather, but extreme temperatures can impact the aquatic environment they inhabit.
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How and Where Can You Find Spotted spreadwing at Different Life Stages
Naiad Spotted spreadwing naiads are aquatic and well camouflaged among vegetation in slow-moving or standing freshwater bodies like ponds or marshes. They can be found by gently sifting through the water's vegetation with a fine net. Direct collection should be done ethically to avoid disturbing the ecosystem.
Adult During emergence, spotted spreadwing can be found near the edges of the water bodies where the naiads stage developed. Look for them on reeds, grasses, or other objects they might cling to as they transition to adults.
Spotted spreadwing adults can often be seen flying above water bodies or perched on vegetation in sunny spots. To find them, walk slowly around the edges of ponds, lakes, or wetlands and watch for the characteristic flight patterns or resting individuals.
Females of spotted spreadwing return to water to lay eggs. Observing areas with floating or submerged vegetation, such as the edges of water bodies, will increase the likelihood of spotting females in the act of oviposition.
Are Spotted spreadwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Spotted spreadwing
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Spotted spreadwing is an effective predator both in its adult and naiad stages. As a naiad, it is an aquatic hunter, utilizing its extendable lower lip to snatch unsuspecting prey. Adults capture mosquitoes and other flying insects mid-flight. Their preying habits contribute to regulating pest populations and reducing the spread of diseases like malaria.
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