Platystictidae

Definition

A family of damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) commonly called shadowdamsels, characterized by slender bodies and typically dark, muted coloration. The family occurs primarily in tropical Asia and the Neotropics (Central and South America). Adults are often found in shaded forest streams and seepages. They resemble the threadtail damselflies (Protoneuridae) in general form but differ in wing venation and genitalic structure.

Etymology

From Greek platys (broad, flat) + stictos (spotted, marked), referring to wing markings; family suffix -idae.

Example

The genus Palaemnema (shadowdamsels) in Central American cloud forests, where males perch on rocks in dimly lit ravines and females oviposit into submerged moss.

Synonyms

• shadowdamsels

Related Terms

• Protoneuridae
• Zygoptera
• Odonata
• damselfly
• shadowdamsel
• Palaemnema

Usage Notes

Distinguished from Protoneuridae (threadtails) by details of the pterostigma shape and male anal appendages; identification to family in the field requires close examination or capture. The common name 'shadowdamsel' reflects their preference for deeply shaded habitats compared to many open-habitat damselflies.