Polythoridae

Definition

A family of damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) in the order Odonata, comprising approximately 58 species restricted to the Neotropical region. Members are characterized by their slender bodies, narrow wings with reduced venation, and often striking wing coloration including transparent, smoky, or banded patterns. The family was established by Munz in 1919 and is classified within the superfamily Calopterygoidea.

Etymology

From Greek polys (many) + thorax (chest or thorax), referring to the family's characteristic thoracic structure

Example

Chlorocypha centripunctata and Polythorella beatrix are representative polythorid damselflies inhabiting forest streams in Central and South America, where males defend mating territories along sunlit watercourses.

Related Terms

• Zygoptera
• Calopterygoidea
• Odonata
• damselfly
• Neotropical region
• Chlorocyphidae
• Thorax

Usage Notes

Use with family-rank authority; contrast with Chlorocyphidae (jewel damselflies), a related calopterygoid family with which Polythoridae shares reduced wing venation but differs in genitalic and thoracic characters. The family's restricted Neotropical distribution makes it useful for biogeographic studies of Odonata diversification.