ArielSD
Tinkerbell?
Great Spreadwing, Archilestes Grandis, Male
Wikipedia
This species is the only spreadwing found in the region that is not a member of the genus Lestes. It is enormous, the largest damselfly in the state and region, reaching lengths of about 2.3 inches. Like other spreadwings, it holds it wings out to the side, almost like a dragonfly, though not as widely spread.
Viewed from above, the thorax is brown and has a broad green stripe on each side. In older individuals this green stripe is dull or obscured by pruinesence. Viewed from the side, the lower part of the thorax has two broad yellow stripes (the lower one may seem incomplete).
The tip of the abdomen is whitish.
As in all male spreadwings, Great Spreadwing males have a very prominent clasper used to clasp the female in mating. Females are similar to the males but have a thicker abdomen, and of course females have an ovipositor instead of the claspers.
Male Great Spreadwings spend a lot of time hanging diagonally from waterside plants such as cattails, only occasionally flying out to feed or look for females. Females are seldom seen at the water until time to mate; prior to this they are sometimes seen feeding in the woods or woods margins.
Tinkerbell?
Great Spreadwing, Archilestes Grandis, Male
Wikipedia
This species is the only spreadwing found in the region that is not a member of the genus Lestes. It is enormous, the largest damselfly in the state and region, reaching lengths of about 2.3 inches. Like other spreadwings, it holds it wings out to the side, almost like a dragonfly, though not as widely spread.
Viewed from above, the thorax is brown and has a broad green stripe on each side. In older individuals this green stripe is dull or obscured by pruinesence. Viewed from the side, the lower part of the thorax has two broad yellow stripes (the lower one may seem incomplete).
The tip of the abdomen is whitish.
As in all male spreadwings, Great Spreadwing males have a very prominent clasper used to clasp the female in mating. Females are similar to the males but have a thicker abdomen, and of course females have an ovipositor instead of the claspers.
Male Great Spreadwings spend a lot of time hanging diagonally from waterside plants such as cattails, only occasionally flying out to feed or look for females. Females are seldom seen at the water until time to mate; prior to this they are sometimes seen feeding in the woods or woods margins.