The Small spreadwing (Lestes virens) – also known as the Small Emerald Spreadwing – can be distinguished from the other Emerald Damselflies (Lestes species) by looking at the back of the eyes (head): the top half of the back is dark and the bottom half is yellowy. At rest, Emerald Damselflies all spread their wings at an angle to the body, unlike other damselflies. It is native to much of Europe and western and central Asia. There are two subspecies. The subspecies Lestes virens virens is found in the south of the range in Spain, southern France, Sardinia and North Africa. Lestes virens vestalis is found in northern France, Italy, and across central Europe.
