Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies & Damselflies of Dayton, Ohio

SPOTTED SPREADWING

Spotted Spreadwing. These small damselflies have a distinctive "stepped" pattern on the upper edge of the yellow patch on the thorax. They also have two small dark spots underneath the yellow patch. 

This is what a Spotted Spreadwing looks like from above. However, for identification purposes, it is much more useful to see the side of the thorax. 

This is a slightly better view of the dark spots below the yellow patch. These spots are distinctive, but sometimes difficult to see in photos. 

This is a mated pair of Spotted Spreadwings. I find this species in good numbers at Cox Arboretum and Grant Park, and also at Germantown MetroPark and Beavercreek Wildlife Area. They typically fly in the fall, starting in August. I have seen them as late as November 19th! 

Another close-up view of the spots below the thorax.