Great Spreadwing (Archilestes grandis)
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Unlike other damselflies, which fold their wings together over their backs when they are not flying, spreadwings usually hold their wings open while at rest. This habit can be confusing to those who know that dragonflies hold their wings open while damselflies close them. Upon closer inspection, though, the great spreadwing looks much more like a damselfly, with its slender body, protruding eyes, and narrow-based wings.
The great spreadwing holds the distinction of being the largest damselfly in the United States. These insects can frequently be found resting in vegetation near the ponds in the garden, although they tend to blend in with the foliage. The female, shown above, is slightly more robust and has lighter eyes than the male, which is pictured below.
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The nymphs of this species are equally impressive. They are larger than any of the other damselfly larvae and are distinctly colored, with white bands on their legs. They can often be seen in the shallow water during late winter and early spring.
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class: Insecta / order: Odonata / family: Lestidae / genus: Archilestes / species: grandis
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