Migrant Spreadwing (Lestes barbarus) | Species | ||||||||||||||||
 (1/60th sec at f10. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) DescriptionWingspan: 40 - 54 mm; Body length: 40 - 45 mm Also known as the Southern Emerald Damselfly. It can be recognised by its pale colouration and bicoloured pterostigma. This species is widespread in southern and central Europe. It is a strong wanderer and first reached eastern England in 2002. It favours ephemeral conditions even more than other Lestes species, being typical of sites that dry out early in summer, such as dune slacks, meadow pools and shallow depressions. The flight period is from March to October in the southern Mediterranean, but in the north most adults emerge in June and July, peaking in August. The Migrant Spreadwing can often be seen ovipositing in completely dry areas. A rare vagrant in Britain, but widespread and common in Europe. Sightings
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