Spreadwing Damselflies

There are at least six species of spreadwings that may* live in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. To determine the species often requires capturing the insect and examining it under a hand lens. For the rest of us, the key identification feature for this group of medium to large damselflies is that they hold their wings open in a "V" shape when viewed from above. (Dragonflies hold their wings stiffly out to the side and other damselflies fold their wings against the abdomen.) Most other Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) survive our harsh Minnesota winters as larvae at the bottom of wetlands, streams, and lakes. Several of the spreadwing species take a very different survival strategy by overwintering as eggs. The spreadwings inject their eggs into emergent vegetation above the normal waterline. The eggs begin to develop but their development is arrested as winter begins. As snows melt and rains come in the spring, water levels rise and inundate the eggs which then continue to develop and eventually hatch. Overwintering as eggs, combined with rapid larvae growth, permit these particular spreadwing species to exploit temporary ponds that other Odonata cannot use. * The distribution of spreadwings, other damselflies, and dragonflies is not well known in Minnesota. The Minnesota Odonata Survey Progject is a multi-year program to determine which species live in Minnesota and their ranges. You can help!

<< Previous | Insects Home | Next >>     Spreadwing Damselflies (Lestes spp.) Key ID Features: See narrative to the left. Present in Park: June through September. Look in grasses and short shrubs near water features. Habitat: Quiet water ponds and lakes.