Common Spreadwing vs San Francisco Forktail Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Spreadwing | San Francisco Forktail Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lestes sponsa | Ischnura gemina |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Lestidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 35-40 mm wingspan | 2.5-3 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Common Spreadwing
A slender metallic green damselfly that characteristically holds its wings half-open at rest. It is widespread across Europe and northern Asia.
Did You Know?
Spreadwing damselflies lay their eggs into the stems of plants above the waterline, and the eggs overwinter before hatching when water levels rise in spring.
San Francisco Forktail Damselfly
A tiny damselfly restricted to a few freshwater ponds near the San Francisco Bay coast. It is threatened by urban encroachment and invasive plants.
Did You Know?
This species is nearly identical to the common Pacific forktail and can only be distinguished by close examination.