Lestes macrostigma

Lestes macrostigma is a species of damselfly of the family Lestidae, the spreadwings. It is known by the common name dark spreadwing. It is native to much of southern Europe, its distribution extending into western Asia.[1]

Lestes macrostigma

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Lestidae
Genus: Lestes
Species:
L. macrostigma
Binomial name
Lestes macrostigma
(Eversmann, 1836)

Description

This species is up to 48 millimeters long. It is similar to other common Lestes species but it is darker in color with more blue pruinescence. The pterostigmata are large and black.[2]

Distribution

This species has a wide distribution extending from the western coastlines of Europe into Central Asia and the Middle East. Much of its European range is in the Mediterranean. Its distribution is fragmented. It is more abundant in the eastern parts of its range, but abundance varies according to climate and weather. In some areas it is common and in others it is rare and sometimes endangered.[2]

It is most common around brackish waters, like coastal estuaries and salty inland lakes.

Biology

This species has often been noted to lay its eggs on saltmarsh bulrush (Bolboschoenus maritimus). It will also utilize sea bulrush (Juncus maritimus) and common clubrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris).[2]

After mating, the female usually seeks oviposition sites with the male still attached to her. She then lays a line of eggs in the fibers of the aquatic plant. The ovipositor has a cutting implement and sensory setae.[3]

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See also

References
  1. Kalkman, V. J. 2014. Lestes macrostigma. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 28 January 2016.
  2. Lambret, P., Cohez, D., & Janczak, A. 2009. Lestes macrostigma (Eversmann, 1836) en Camargue et en Crau (Département des Bouches-du-Rhône) (Odonata, Zygoptera, Lestidae). Martinia 25(2): 51-65. + Erratum, Martinia 25(3): 115.
  3. Matushkina, N. A. & P. H. Lambret. 2011. Ovipositor morphology and egg laying behaviour in the dragonfly Lestes macrostigma (Zygoptera: Lestidae). International Journal of Odonatology 14(1) 69-82.

Further reading
  • Askew, R. R. (2004). The Dragonflies of Europe. (revised ed.) Harley Books. pp 58–66. ISBN 0-946589-75-5
  • d'Aguilar, J., Dommanget, J. L., and Prechac, R. (1986). A Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain, Europe and North Africa. Collins. pp 168–178. ISBN 0-00-219436-8
  • Boudot J. P., et al. (2009). Atlas of the Odonata of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Libellula Supplement 9:1-256.
  • Dijkstra, K. & Lewington, R. (2006). Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe. British Wildlife Publishing. ISBN 0-9531399-4-8.
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