About Lestes praemorsus Hagen, 1862
Lestes praemorsus Hagen, 1862 is a medium-sized damselfly. Males of this species have an abdomen length of 32 to 35 mm, while the abdomen of the similar-looking species Lestes dorothea measures 36–40 mm. This damselfly has a black head, and mature males have deep sapphire-blue eyes, matching the eye color of L. dorothea. Its thorax is black, with a white pruinose surface on the sides and a yellowish underside. The dorsum of the thorax bears a pair of metallic green antehumeral stripes, with the same shape as those found on L. dorothea. Several irregular spots are present on both sides of the thorax. In mature males, the thorax is heavily pruinose, which obscures all these markings. The abdomen is blue, marked with black on its dorsum. Segments 2 through 7 have very narrow bluish basal rings. Segment 8 has a thin apico-lateral blue spot. Segment 9 has a very large blue lateral spot on each side, which may become pruinose and form an apical ring in adult individuals. Segment 10 also has a blue spot on each side, which becomes pruinose and forms an apical ring in adult individuals. The anal appendages are pale yellow, with black coloration at their apices. Females are similar in overall form to males, but have pale yellowish green coloration. This species breeds in well-vegetated ponds, marshes, and lakes. It is quite commonly found in shaded lowland swamps and drains.
