General: Emerald Spreadwing Damselflies (Lestes dryas) are large damselflies that hold their wings spread out to the side rather than down along the body as in most damselflies. This species is colored green with copper iridescence, and the wingspot (stigma) is dark.

These active creatures are harmless to humans, but they are voracious predators of small flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes.

Taxonomy: Order Odonata, Suborder Zygoptera, Family Lestidae.

Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, Emerald Spreadwings are uncommon. I've only noticed this species at White Rock Spring in the Red Rock Canyon NCA.