About 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.
How to Identify Common Spreadwing
Common Spreadwing (Lestes sponsa) belongs to the order Odonata, family Lestidae. Adults typically measure 35-40 mm wingspan.
Common Spreadwing Habitat
Common Spreadwing is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Common Spreadwing Diet and Feeding
Common Spreadwing is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is Common Spreadwing Found?
Common Spreadwing can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Common Spreadwing can be found
Is Common Spreadwing Dangerous?
Common Spreadwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Common Spreadwing Role in Nature
Common Spreadwing serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Spreadwing
What does Common Spreadwing look like?
The Common Spreadwing typically measures 35-40 mm wingspan.
Where is Common Spreadwing found?
The Common Spreadwing is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.
What does Common Spreadwing eat?
The Common Spreadwing is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Common Spreadwing dangerous to humans?
The Common Spreadwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Common Spreadwing?
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.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Common Spreadwing (Lestes sponsa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-spreadwing
MLA:
"Common Spreadwing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-spreadwing.