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Western willow spreadwing

Western willow spreadwing

Lestes viridis

A species of Pond spreadwings, Also known as Willow emerald damselfly

Chalcolestes viridis, formerly Lestes viridis, is a damselfly of the family Lestidae. It has a metallic green body and at rest it holds its wings away from its body. Its common name is the willow emerald damselfly or the western willow spreadwing.

General Info About Western willow spreadwing
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Attributes of Western willow spreadwing
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
White
Habitat
C. viridis is found across southern and central Europe. In the eastern mediterranean it is replaced by C. parvidens with areas of overlap in Italy and the Balkans. C. viridis is found on many mediterranean islands including Corsica, Sicily, Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, in the Maghreb in North Africa, Turkey and the Middle East. However many of the old records for C. viridis in the east of its range could be for C. parvidens. It occurs in still or slow flowing water in ditches, ponds, lakes and canals, with overhanging willows, alders or birches, which are used for breeding. Of all the European Lestes it is the species, along with C. parvidens, that will lay eggs in where there is running water. The adults are often found in the bushes which grow over or alongside water.
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, small moths, mayflies, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Aquatic invertebrates, small fish, tadpoles, mosquito larvae, other aquatic larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Western willow spreadwing
Rare in Britain, widespread on Jersey
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Distribution Area of Western willow spreadwing
Southern and central Europe
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Life Cycle of Western willow spreadwing
Egg The egg of western willow spreadwing is often laid in or near water. It is small and typically oval, blending well with aquatic plants. Over time, it will grow in size and the embryo inside develops vital body structures.
Naiad As a naiad, western willow spreadwing resembles a smaller version of the adult without wings. The naiad lives in water, moulting several times while it grows. It consumes a variety of prey and changes in size and color with each moult.
Adult Emerging from the final nymph stage, the adult western willow spreadwing has mature wings and is capable of flight. The body is elongated with distinctive coloration and hardened exoskeleton. The primary focus is now on reproduction and dispersal.
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Predators of Western willow spreadwing Larvae
Frogs, toads, fish, aquatic beetles, backswimmers, water scorpions, birds
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Predators of Adult Western willow spreadwing
Birds, bats, spiders, frogs, wasps
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Scientific Classification of Western willow spreadwing
Tips for Finding Western willow spreadwing
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Youth Habitat of Western willow spreadwing
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Western willow spreadwing
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Western willow spreadwing
The use of trap food is not a common practice for finding western willow spreadwing, as they are predacious in nature and tend to hunt live prey such as small insects rather than being attracted to stationary food sources.
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Habitat Preferences of Western willow spreadwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of western willow spreadwing are usually laid in vegetation near or in freshwater bodies. naiads, or naiads, live underwater, amidst aquatic plants, detritus, or on the sediment. To find naiads, exploration needs to occur in slow-moving waters such as ponds, marshes, or the edges of lakes. Adult western willow spreadwing are typically found in areas close to where they emerged. Searching for mature individuals might involve scanning the nearby vegetation, reeds, and shrubs for perched or flying adults. Since western willow spreadwing is tied to aquatic ecosystems throughout its life cycle, all stages can be searched in or around the same body of water.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Western willow spreadwing
The most suitable time to find adult western willow spreadwing is during warm days, preferably late spring to summer when they are most active and visible, especially near bodies of water like ponds or streams.
Are Western willow spreadwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Western willow spreadwing
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Western willow spreadwing is an efficient hunter both in its naiad and adult stages. As a naiad in water, it ambushes other aquatic insects and mosquito larvae with its quick reflexes and extensible lower lip. In flight during adulthood, western willow spreadwing's aerial acrobatics allow it to catch flying insects. This predatory behavior is vital for its survival, energy, and reproduction.
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