General: Great Spreadwings (Archilestes grandis) are the largest damselfly species in North America (to about 2-1/2 inches). Typical for spreadwings, they hold their wings out to the side rather then down along the body as do most damselflies. This species is colored coppery-green with light blue (pruinose) on the tip of the tail. The thorax is dark with one light line (becomes yellow in older males), and the wingspots (stigma) are dark. Females are similar, but less colorful.

These active creatures are harmless to humans, but they are voracious predators of small flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes.

Taxonomy: Order Odonata, Suborder Zygoptera, Family Lestidae.

Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, Great Spreadwings are uncommon. Watch for them over still waters.