Threadtails

Protoneuridae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Protoneuridae: /ˌproʊtoʊˈnʊrɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Protoneuridae is a family of damselflies commonly known as threadtails. They are primarily found in southern Texas among other circumtropical regions and exhibit distinct reduced wing venation and coloration patterns in males.

Physical Characteristics

Small-sized damselflies with reduced wing venation; long, thin, mostly dark abdomen with no tail-spot; narrow and mostly transparent wings. Males are often colorful with thoraxes in red, orange, yellow, or blue, while others may have black thoraxes and brightly colored abdomens or be entirely dark.

Identification Tips

Look for small damselflies with long, thin bodies and simple wing venation. Males often exhibit vivid colors which can aid in identification.

Habitat

Commonly found along the verges of rivers and streams and the margins of large lakes.

Distribution

Circumtropical; in the United States, specifically found only in southern Texas.

Evolution

Recent taxonomic updates have merged the Pseudostigmatidae and New World Protoneuridae into Coenagrionidae and the Old World Protoneuridae into Platycnemididae.

Similar Taxa

Coenagrionidae
Platycnemididae