Family: Lestidae
Length: 42-51 mm
One key identification trait can be difficult to see unless you are really close and the sunlight is just right, and that is the amber-tinted wings.
In Lestes eurinus the dorsal surface of the thorax is metallic green, often appearing bluish because of pruinescence. The sides of the thorax are yellow with dark bands, but in mature males the color and markings are often obscured by pruinescence.
Look for Amber-winged spreadwings at vernal pools. They may also be found in larger ponds, lakes, and bogs, but the preference is for fishless habitats in which to lay their eggs.
The Amber-winged Spreadwing is on the wing in West Virginia from late May through late August. Most records are from the eastern mountain counties, but the species has been reported from other counties such as Braxton and Upshur. The male shown here was photographed in Upshur on 29 June 2004.
