Small Spreadwing

Lestes virens vestalis (Rambur, 1842)

DESCRIPTION

Besides its small size (30-39 mm), this species can be identified by the lower side of the head, being in back view paler than the upper side, and by the brown pterostigmas with white sides. The male feature pale blue pruinosity on the two last abdominal segments and sometimes on the wing base.

PHENOLOGY

In flight from mid-June to the end of September.

HABITAT

This species can be found mainly in habitats and slowly flowing water bodies featuring abundant vegetation with uncovered water areas sometimes subject to dry periods.

DISTRIBUTION

In most of Europe it is widespread but it is absent in alpine and northern regions (almost absent in Scandinavia, absent in the British Isles). Relatively widespread in the Cuneo region plain and with locally abundant populations, this species enters the largest valley bottoms.