Sri Lanka Emerald Spredwing (ඉන්ද්‍රනීල විවරතටු ඉරටුකූරා)

  

This unique damselfly is the sole representative of the genus Sinhalestes, making it one of the most distinctive species in the world. First discovered in 1859, it was once thought to be extinct due to the absence of reliable records for over a century and a half.

Rediscovery & Habitat: The species was rediscovered in the Samanala Adaviya mountains and is restricted to close-canopy forests at elevations above 900 meters. Even within its habitat, it is rarely seen.

Behavior: Males are observed hanging from vegetation about two meters above the ground near sunlit spots along large streams. Females are seldom seen, making their behavior less documented.

Conservation: This damselfly is an endemic species with high conservation priority due to its uniqueness and rarity, emphasizing the need for habitat protection.