Asian Emerald Spreadwing Lestes elatus

Unlike most damselflies that fold their wings neatly along their body, these beauties have an unusual habit—they rest with wings spread wide open like little airplanes, which is how they got their "spreadwing" name. Add their brilliant emerald-green coloring, and you've got one of the prettiest damselflies in Asia.

They hunt through wetlands across India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, where their iridescent bodies catch the light as they dart between aquatic plants.