Spread-winged damselflies

The genus Lestes, commonly known as spread-winged damselflies, belongs to the order Odonata and the family Lestidae. From an agronomic perspective, these insects are not considered pests of agricultural crops. They are actually beneficial insects that act as predators, feeding on various small insects within or near agricultural fields and wetlands.

The biological cycle of these damselflies is intrinsically linked to water sources. They progress through egg, larval (nymph), and adult stages. Unlike many other species, Lestes females typically deposit their eggs into the stems of aquatic or semi-aquatic plants, utilizing their ovipositor to create small incisions in the plant tissue.

While these incisions may leave minor mechanical marks, they do not result in significant plant damage or yield loss. Mistaken identity often leads farmers to view them as pests, but these insects do not feed on plant foliage, stems, or roots. Their role as hunters makes them significant contributors to natural pest suppression in agricultural landscapes.

Their predatory behavior is their most important characteristic for farmers. As both nymphs and adults are carnivorous, they consume a high volume of mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying insects. By suppressing these populations, they help maintain a balance in the farm ecosystem, potentially reducing the need for chemical interventions against harmful pests.

• Maintain riparian buffers to support beneficial insect habitats.
• Avoid broad-spectrum pesticide use near water bodies to protect these predators.
• Promote biodiversity to naturally regulate pest levels on the farm.

No protection measures are required against Lestes as they pose no threat to production. Integrating practices that support their presence is recommended, as they serve as natural allies in sustainable pest management and help maintain overall ecological health in and around the cultivated fields.