Sweetflag Spreadwing, Lestes forcipatus

Photos by June Tveekrem

This species is identified by the female's ovipositor: the lower piece extends well beyond the upper.
The male is so similar to the Southern Spreadwing as to be indistinguishable in the field.

Female
July 20, 2004
Middle Patuxent River at Kindler Rd
Howard County, MD

Female ovipositor
July 20, 2004
Middle Patuxent River at Kindler Rd
Howard County, MD

Male
July 20, 2004
Middle Patuxent River at Kindler Rd
Howard County, MD