Green Lestes vs American Marsh Treader
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Green Lestes | American Marsh Treader |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lestes viridis | Hydrometra martini |
| Order | Odonata | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lestidae | Hydrometridae |
| Size | 39-48 mm body length | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Green Lestes
A metallic green damselfly that lays eggs into the bark of overhanging trees. Creates distinctive oviposition scars on willow branches. One of the latest damselflies to fly.
Did You Know?
Uniquely among damselflies, it lays its eggs into tree bark above water rather than into aquatic plants.
American Marsh Treader
A very thin, elongate bug with a head nearly as long as its thorax. It creeps slowly along floating debris and sphagnum mats at the edges of ponds and marshes.
Did You Know?
It moves so slowly and deliberately that it rarely disturbs the water surface, making it nearly invisible to predators.