Megapodagrionidae

Definition

A family of damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) characterized by the distinctive resting posture in which the wings are held horizontally spread rather than folded together above the abdomen. The family occurs primarily in tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia–Oceania, with adults often found along forest streams.

Etymology

From Greek megas (large, great) + poda (foot) + Agrionidae (an older family name for certain damselflies), referring to the relatively large tarsi of some members

Example

The genus *Megapodagrion* includes species such as *Megapodagrion superbum*, a flatwing damselfly of Central American rainforest streams whose horizontal wing posture distinguishes it from pond damselflies that fold their wings vertically.

Synonyms

• flatwings (common name)

Related Terms

• Zygoptera
• damselfly
• Odonata
• Calopterygidae
• Platycnemididae
• wing posture
• tropical stream ecology

Usage Notes

The common name 'flatwings' refers specifically to the horizontal resting posture and should not be confused with the unrelated 'flatworms' (Platyhelminthes). Formerly, some authors treated Megapodagrionidae as a subfamily within Calopterygidae or Platycnemididae; current phylogenetic studies generally support family rank. Identification to family in the field relies heavily on wing posture and venation patterns rather than coloration alone.