Broad-winged Damselflies

Calopterygidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Calopterygidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calopterygidae: //ˌkæloʊˈtɛrɪdʒɪˌdiː//

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Summary

Calopterygidae, or broad-winged damselflies, are a family of large damselflies known for their metallic colors and distinctive wing morphology. They inhabit aquatic environments and have a unique mating and territorial behavior.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are metallic-colored with wings broader than in other damselflies, holding their wings at rest parallel to the body and slightly elevated. Males typically have blue wings, while females have green or brown. Wings are heavily veined with 18 or more antenodal veins. Nymphs have lateral gills longer than median gills, flattened pentagonal-shaped heads, long first antennal segments, and long legs.

Identification Tips

Can be differentiated from other damselflies by the broader connection between the wings and the body. They have a jerky, fluttering flight pattern similar to butterflies.

Habitat

Found along rivers and streams; adults are usually found on vegetation near water.

Distribution

Found on every continent except Antarctica, with 8 species in 2 genera specifically in North America.

Diet

Both larvae and adults are carnivorous, preying on smaller invertebrates such as mayflies and other arthropods.

Life Cycle

Nymphs spend time among submerged aquatic plants, woody debris, and exposed streamside roots. There is a single generation per year, influenced by biotic and abiotic factors.

Reproduction

Mating involves males guarding territories and females for egg deposition. Males may engage in courtship behavior and display territoriality. Males remove rival sperm from females during mating and may guard females post-copulation.

Predators

Prey on insects and other arthropods as both nymphs and adults.

Ecosystem Role

As carnivorous aquatic insects, they help control invertebrate populations in aquatic ecosystems.

Evolution

Part of the suborder Zygoptera, showing morphological plasticity related to environmental factors such as proximity to forests.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly misidentified as mere butterflies due to their fluttering flight but they belong to the order Odonata.