Small Spreadwing
EN

Small Spreadwing

Lestes virens

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lestes_virens

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Small Spreadwing faces severe population declines primarily due to wetland habitat destruction and degradation across its limited range. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the shallow, vegetated ponds and marshes essential for breeding. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and altered hydrology from drainage projects further compromise remaining habitat quality, while climate change threatens to disrupt the delicate seasonal timing required for successful reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Small Spreadwing inhabits shallow, vegetated freshwater wetlands including ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams with abundant emergent vegetation. These damselflies require clean water with specific temperature and oxygen conditions, along with suitable perching sites on aquatic plants for mating and egg-laying.

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Lestes dryas

Unknown
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Frequently asked questions

Why is Small Spreadwing classified as Endangered?
Small Spreadwing is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Small Spreadwing faces severe population declines primarily due to wetland habitat destruction and degradation across its limited range. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the shallow, vegetated ponds and marshes essential for breeding. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and altered hydrology from drainage projects further compromise remaining habitat quality, while climate change threatens to disrupt the delicate seasonal timing required for successful reproduction.
Where does Small Spreadwing live?
Small Spreadwing occurs in Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, and Belarus (plus 42 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Small Spreadwing?
The main threats to Small Spreadwing are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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