Amber-winged Spreadwing / Leste flamboyant
Lestes eurinus
Fundy Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes 2
Amber-winged Spreadwing, Leste flamboyant
(Lestes eurinus)
Adult size: 42-52 mm, large for a damselfly.
Habitat/Status: An uncommon to rare inhabitant in the Maritimes region; mostly associated with bog ponds, occasionally in fens, lakes.
Typical flight period: In the Maritimes, flies from mid June until early August (dates June 8th PE – August 8th NB).
ID hints: This large, robust Spreadwing damselfly generally appears metallic green from above during much of its adult life, looking a lot like an extra-large Emerald Spreadwing; another notable feature is the bright yellow patch visible on the lower lateral surfaces of the thorax in both young adult males and females. With age, the yellow patches on the side of the thorax in the males become mostly obscured by a waxy powder-blue pruinosity (not so in the females), but by then the wings have generally also taken on the typical amber tinge that is unique in the region’s damselflies and gives this species its name. However, be advised that the amber colour can be minimal in some individuals, so it is still best to confirm the ID by having a close look at the unique claspers of the male, or glimpsing the yellow thorax patches of the female.
General Nature Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes: - This species is generally associated with smaller water bodies free of fish. Most Odonate species requiring fish-free habitats tend to be somewhat more active foragers as larvae, spending a lot more time crawling through submerged vegetation in pursuit of food (which they catch with their extensible lower labia), while those species that readily live in fishy habitats tend to burrow into the sediment and are “sit-and wait” predators, depending on their camouflage to hide them in the muddy or silty bottom. These species then grab their prey as they swim or crawl nearby, also with their amazing, “spring-loaded”, extensible lower labia...
- In contrast to most damselflies, this species is apparently quite wary of people and difficult to approach.
- Unlike most spreadwings, this species can frequently be seen flying over open water.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Denis Doucet, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Denis Doucet
- (c) Denis Doucet, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
More Info
iNaturalist.ca Map
| Family | Lestidae (Spreadwing Damsels) |
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