This is a large spreadwing approximately 2 1/4 inches or 55 mm in length. The male has bright blue eyes, a dark brown thorax with a broad yellow side stripe and green metallic top stripes. The abdomen is long and dark brown with the last 2 segments being light blue or pruinose. The female is stockier with tan eyes. Her thorax is dark brown, and has broad yellow stripes on the sides. The top of the abdomen is dark and the sides are tan. The wings of both sexes are clear with dark brown stigmas.
This commonly occurring spreadwing is found from late September through October along the stream in Fontenelle Forest.
This is the largest spreadwing in our area. Both sexes are readily identified by the bold yellow thoracic stripes and the large size. It breeds in slow streams and also in ponds and wet ditches. The female lays eggs while in tandem with the male.
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