Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Black spreadwing

Black spreadwing

Lestes stultus

A species of Pond spreadwings

The name Lestes comes from the Greek word ληστησ meaning predator.

General Info About Black spreadwing
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Black spreadwing
Adult Food Sources
Mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic invertebrates, zooplankton, larvae of other insects, tadpoles, small fish
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Black spreadwing
Egg The egg of black spreadwing is usually laid in water or on vegetation near water. It is small, elongated, and typically has a tough outer coating to withstand the aquatic environment where development begins.
Naiad The naiad of black spreadwing resembles a miniature version of the adult but without wings. It undergoes several molts, increasing in size and gradually developing wing pads. This aquatic stage is predatory, actively hunting small aquatic organisms.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult black spreadwing has fully formed wings and a slender elongated abdomen. The body is well-adapted for flight with vibrant colors for species recognition. Adults focus on feeding and reproduction, with a relatively short lifespan.
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Black spreadwing
Birds, spiders, frogs, robber flies, bats
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Black spreadwing
Unlike most of their kin, black spreadwing can remain in a mating wheel position for an impressive two hours, showcasing a remarkable feat of endurance and flexibility.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Black spreadwing
Tips for Finding Black spreadwing
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Black spreadwing
Freshwater Habitats
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Black spreadwing
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Black spreadwing
Black spreadwing adults are predators and mainly feed on flying insects. Therefore, traps for adults may include using mock prey or visual lures to attract them.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Black spreadwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of black spreadwing are typically laid in aquatic vegetation within standing waters like ponds or slow streams. Searching for naiads would involve exploring the benthic zones of such waters, sifting through substrate and inspecting plants beneath the surface. The aquatic naiads, which remain in the water for one or several years, are found clinging to submerged vegetation or hiding in debris. Upon emergence, the naiads undergo metamorphosis on nearby plants above water. The adults of black spreadwing are most often encountered in vegetated areas around water bodies, flying or perched on foliage, where they hunt for prey and mate. To find adults, one would search around the edges of ponds, lakes, or marshes, especially in sunny spots where they often bask.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Black spreadwing
Adult black spreadwing are most active during the day, especially around midday when temperatures are warmer. The best time to find them is on sunny days with little to no wind.
Are Black spreadwing harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Black spreadwing
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Black spreadwing is a skilled predator both in its naiad stage in aquatic environments and as an adult in terrestrial settings. It preys primarily to feed itself, adeptly catching various insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths, with its swift flight and precision. The naiads, equipped with extensible jaws, ambush and seize prey in water. Black spreadwing adults have large, multifaceted eyes allowing them to spot prey movements effectively, which is a lesser-known fact about their predatory abilities.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Black spreadwing
Plateau spreadwing
Plateau spreadwing

The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1861 by Hagen.

Read More
Arrow
Swamp spreadwing
Swamp spreadwing

It grows between 4 cm and 6 cm long.

Read More
Arrow
Amber-winged spreadwing
Amber-winged spreadwing

The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1840 by Say.

Read More
Arrow
Slender spreadwing
Slender spreadwing

This damselfly is long and thin. The body is black with a pale blue face, and the wings have yellow edges. The female is larger, with paler yellow on the wings.

Read More
Arrow
Small spreadwing
Small spreadwing

The small spreadwing resides near calm water bodies where its naiads, the aquatic juvenile stage, develop amidst vegetation. These nymphs are carnivorous, hunting small aquatic prey. The adults are known for their agile flight and predacious nature, capturing flying insects mid-air. Males exhibit territorial behavior, often engaging in aerial displays to defend prime breeding sites.

Read More
Arrow
Sweetflag spreadwing
Sweetflag spreadwing

The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1842 by Rambur.

Read More
Arrow
Common spreadwing
Common spreadwing

Adorned with metallic hues, the slender common spreadwing flutters over freshwater habitats with delicate, iridescent wings outstretched. In its juvenile stage, known as nymph, it thrives underwater for up to two years, deftly preying on smaller aquatic invertebrates. As adults, common spreadwing display masterful aerial agility, hunting airborne insects with precision while remaining in flight. Mating is an elaborate airborne ballet, after which females lay eggs on aquatic vegetation, ensuring the cycle of life continues.

Read More
Arrow
Emerald spreadwing
Emerald spreadwing

The Shining Bulgarian reaches a wing span of about five centimeters. It has a metallic-green-colored thorax and a shiny black-green abdomen, which is thickened at the end and blue frosted in sexually mature male. In old age, the dark parts of the body become coppery and duller. The wing times are monochrome blackish. The species can easily be confused with the much more common Common Reindeer (Lestes sponsa). Surely, both can only be distinguished by examining the inner abdomen appendages in males or the laying tail in females with a magnifying glass. Also, in the male the second abdominal ring (2nd segment behind the wing lug) is not completely frosted blue. In a direct comparison, Lestes Dryas looks a bit stronger and shinier.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow