Lek-mating-system
Guides
Hetaerina
Rubyspots
Hetaerina is a genus of damselflies in the family Calopterygidae, commonly known as rubyspots due to the deep red wing bases of males. The genus comprises approximately 40 species distributed throughout the Americas, with highest diversity in tropical South America. Males exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism with iridescent metallic bodies and characteristic red wing spots, while females have pale brown wings and cryptically patterned bodies. The genus is notable for its lek polygyny mating system, which is uncommon among Odonata, and has become an important study system for sexual selection research.