Platylestes praemorsus
| Platylestes praemorsus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| male | |
 | |
| female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Family: | Lestidae |
| Genus: | Platylestes |
| Species: | P. praemorsus |
| Binomial name | |
| Platylestes praemorsus (Hagen in Selys, 1862) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Lestes praemorsus Hagen in Selys, 1862 | |
Platylestes praemorsus is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is commonly known as the scalloped spreadwing. Platylestes praemorsus is often put into the genus Lestes where it is better known as Lestes praemorsus. This damselfly can be found quite commonly in shaded lowland swamps and drains. Unlike most damselflies Playlestes praemorsus usually perches in a hanging or at least slanting position (rather than horizontally) with its wings half open. The tip of the abdomen is bent up giving it a "hockey stick" appearance. In the male scalloped spreadwings the eyes and body are a powder-blue colour with black markings. The female has similar markings to the male but hers are duller.
Distribution
This species can be found in Asia in Burma, China (Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hong Kong), Indonesia, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Subspecies
Platylestes praemorsus has three subspecies:
- Platylestes praemorsus decipiens
- Platylestes praemorsus praemorsus
- Platylestes praemorsus sikkima