Spread Winged Damselflies

Ohio Spreadwings encompass 2 genera. Ohio has one representative of Archilestes, the sizable Great Spreadwing. The other 10 species, belonging to the genus Lestes, range from very common (Slender) to uncommon (Northern). Reported numbers are variable from year to year and county to county.

ID tips for Spreadwings: Try to get side, back, and terminal appendage shots to increase likelihood of a species-level ID. 

• Slender Spreadwings have distinct light wing tips

• Female Sweetflag Spreadwings have a long ovipositor that extends past the tip of the abdomen

• Spotted Spreadwings have distinct spots on the underside of the thorax