Insect · GBIF taxon 5051661
Slender Spreadwing
Lestes rectangularisSlender spreadwings feature extraordinarily elongated, needle-thin abdomens paired with a pale metallic green or bronze thorax. True to their family name, these damselflies rest with wings half-open at a distinct angle rather than folded flat along their backs. They inhabit slow-moving streams, shady ponds, and marshy clearings across eastern North America, perched quietly on low vegetation while hunting small soft-bodied insects.
WetlandDamselflyPredatory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Midges
- Small Flies
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Dragonflies
ThreatsWetland habitat loss, water pollution, pesticide runoff
HabitatsPonds, marshes, slow streams, shaded wetland margins
Life span1 to 2 months as adults; up to 1 year total
Classification
- OrderOdonata
- FamilyLestidae
- GenusLestes
- SpeciesLestes rectangularis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Perching behavior: Search low-hanging leaves and tall grasses along shaded pond edges where they rest with wings partially open.
- Approach technique: Move slowly from the side to avoid casting a sudden shadow, which triggers flight.
- Seasonal timing: Look for active adults during late spring through early autumn near standing water.
Frequent Companion (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative (c) Peter Chen 2.0, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
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Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
Wetland Territory
Slender Spreadwing is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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