Great Spreadwing | Spotted Spreadwing | Southern Spreadwing | Emerald Spreadwing
Amber-winged Spreadwing | Sweetflag Spreadwing | Elegant Spreadwing | Slender Spreadwing
Lyre-tipped Spreadwing
Southern Spreadwing - Lestes australis

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County Records

Southern Spreadwing - Lestes australis male dorsalSize: 1.4 - 1.8 in.

Found primarily in the central part of the state.  Formerly known as a subspecies of Common Spreadwing, all Iowa specimens have been of the southern species.  Continued study is necessary to determine if both species exist here.  Take special care in separating this guy from the Sweetflag Spreadwing.  The safest characteristic to look for is the shorter ovipositor on the female.

Species Status

Global: G5

State: S3

FLIGHT SEASON
JAN FEB MAR
            
APR MAY JUN
            
JUL AUG SEP
            
OCT NOV DEC
            

Early Date: 5/15

Late Date: 8/25

Key to Flight Season Calendar
Rare
Abundance Scale
Abundant
 

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