Lestes sponsa (emerald Damselfly)

Emerald damselfly, Common spreadwing

A very common damselfly; it inhabits most of Europe, North Africa, and Central and Northern Asia (Palearctic region in general). It isn't found in the extreme North or South of Europe.

A medium sized damselfly with a green metallic body that spreads its wings when at rest. They are very similar to other members of the genus Lestes. Some distinguishing features amongst the males are blue eyes and blue pruinescence on segments 1,2,9 and 10 of the abdomen, as well as on the pronotum and sides of the thorax. However, immature males lack these features and instead have eyes of a greenish brown colour. Lestes sponsa has black anal appendages. The shape of anal appendages can be used to discern between different species of Lestes.