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Emerald-Striped Spreadwing

Emerald-Striped Spreadwing

Lestes viridulus

A species of Pond spreadwings

It is a medium sized damselfly with brown-capped yellow eyes. Its thorax is khaki brown, paling to creamy white on the sides. The dorsum of the thorax has two very narrow metallic green stripes, running closely parallel to the mid-dorsal carina. Wings are transparent with pale brown pterostigma. Abdomen is yellowish brown on the sides with metallic-green dorsal stripes up to segment 8. Segment 9 has a dark dorsal mark on basal half. The remaining half of segment 9, segment 10 and the anal appendages are pale yellow. Female is similar to the male. It can be easily distinguished from all others species of this genus by its uniform pale brown color and the pair of dorsal thoracic metallic green stripes of uniform width. It is commonly found among dry grass during the summer season enjoying camouflage in the plains.

General Info About Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
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Attributes of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Colors
Brown
Green
Yellow
Habitat
Long grass, forest
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, small moths
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
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Common
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Distribution Area of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Bangladesh, India, Thailand
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Life Cycle of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Egg The egg of emerald-Striped Spreadwing is typically laid in or near water and is small and elongated. Coloration is generally subdued, providing camouflage. The embryo inside develops and prepares to hatch into the next stage.
Naiad Emerald-Striped Spreadwing's naiads live underwater with a long, slender body and lacks wings. They undergo a series of molts, growing larger with each stage. naiads are predatory, with mouthparts adapted for grasping prey.
Adult Emerging from the nymph stage, the adult emerald-Striped Spreadwing develops elongated bodies and transparent wings. Coloration becomes more pronounced, aiding in species recognition and mating. Adults do not grow, focusing on reproduction and dispersal.
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Interesting Facts About Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Emerald-Striped Spreadwing can remain in their larval stage for several years, which is unusual for their order.
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Scientific Classification of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Tips for Finding Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
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Youth Habitat of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Freshwater Habitats, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
The best time to find adult emerald-Striped Spreadwing is often during warm, sunny days, typically between late morning and early afternoon when they are most active. The earlier stages are less dependent on the sun and more on the presence of aquatic habitats.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
Warm, calm, and sunny weather is usually most suitable for observing adult emerald-Striped Spreadwing, as it encourages flying and mating behaviors. Overcast days with little wind might also provide opportunities to find them as they perch on vegetation.
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How and Where Can You Find Emerald-Striped Spreadwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Emerald-Striped Spreadwing eggs are typically laid in or near water sources. Locating these eggs is challenging, but one could search along the edges of freshwater habitats, like ponds or slow-moving streams, examining aquatic plants for small, cylindrical eggs.
Naiad Emerald-Striped Spreadwing naiads are aquatic and can be found by gently sifting through water vegetation, debris, and substrate in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies. A small net or a container can be used for careful collection and inspection.
Adult During the emergence stage, emerald-Striped Spreadwing naiads move to nearby vegetation to undergo metamorphosis. This transition can be observed by inspecting vegetation around the water's edge at dawn or dusk during the emergence season.
Adult emerald-Striped Spreadwing are best located by scouting the areas around water bodies where they mate and lay eggs. They can often be seen perched on vegetation or patrolling the water surface. They are most active in direct sunlight, so visiting sunny spots with open water and adjacent grasslands is most productive.
Are Emerald-Striped Spreadwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Emerald-Striped Spreadwing
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Aquatic Insects
Emerald-Striped Spreadwing is a fascinating predator both as an adult and naiad. In its naiad stage, which occurs in water, it actively hunts small aquatic organisms. As an adult, it expertly snatches flying insects, particularly mosquitoes, mid-flight. The ability to consume large numbers of pests highlights its role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
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