Broad-winged damselflies

Definition

A family of damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera) distinguished by their relatively broad, often iridescent or metallic wings that are typically held closed together above the body at rest. Members of this family are generally larger and more robust than most other damselflies, with complex courtship behaviors including wing displays.

Etymology

English compound: 'broad-winged' referring to the characteristically wide wings compared to other damselfly families; 'damselfly' from Middle English 'damsel' (young woman) + 'fly', alluding to their delicate appearance.

Example

The beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), a broad-winged damselfly, males display their iridescent blue-black wings to females during elaborate aerial courtship dances along forest streams.

Synonyms

• Calopterygidae

Related Terms

• damselfly
• Zygoptera
• Odonata
• demoiselle
• pond damselflies
• spread-winged damselflies
• iridescent wing coloration

Usage Notes

Broad-winged damselflies contrast with pond damselflies (Coenagrionidae), which have narrower wings and more slender bodies, and with spread-winged damselflies (Lestidae), which perch with wings partially open rather than closed. The family is sometimes called 'demoiselles' in European usage. Wing width is relative within Zygoptera; these are not as broad-winged as dragonflies (Anisoptera).