Lestes forficula is a tropical species that has apparently been expanding its range in the U.S. Historically known from south Texas and south Florida; in the last few years, it has shown up in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Only males have been found in MS, but males, females, and pairs were observed in AL, and oviposition was also observed. It is not yet clear whether any of these populations have become established. The usual breeding habitat is small pools or ponds.