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
Size / weightNot available
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
Keep collecting in Fauna
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.
—/12
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.