About Lestes congener Hagen, 1861
Lestes congener (common name spotted spreadwing) is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. Adult males reach a body length of 35–42 millimeters (1.4–1.7 inches), while adult females are smaller, with a body length of 32–38 millimeters (1.3–1.5 inches). Individuals in the western part of this species' range are somewhat larger than those in the eastern part. The dorsal surface of the thorax is slaty gray, and two dark elongated spots are present on the latero-ventral surface, which gives the species its common name. Male Lestes congener have blue eyes, while female eyes are always brown. The abdomen ranges from grayish to blackish with bronze reflections, and the final two abdominal segments are pale gray. The wings are clear and transparent. Like other Lestidae damselflies, resting Lestes congener hold their wings at approximately a 45-degree angle to the body. Larvae are light brown and grow up to 25 millimeters long. Adult Lestes congener are active in flight from late July to mid-September. This species is widespread across North America, found in Canada and the United States, but is absent from the southeastern United States. Its habitat includes the banks of permanent and temporary water-filled ponds, flooded river banks, slow-moving water bodies, marshes, and swamps.
