Southern emerald damselfly

Lestes barbarus

A fairly large damselfly with a body length of 40-45 mm and a hindwing length of 20-27 mm, typically light yellowish and greenish-brown, the pterostigma is dark brown and white which is diagnostic. Also called the “shy emerald” and “migrant spreadwing,” this species lives in standing, shallow water and temporary wetland. The southern flies March through October, and spreads its wings at a 45 degree angle when resting.

Photographs

male