Damsel-flies

(Family Calopterygidae.)

This family and the following, the Agrionidae, are by some late authors grouped together, the Calopterygidae being considered simply of subfamily rank and called Calopteryginae. Both groups, as pointed out in the table, hold their wings vertically in repose; that is to say folded together over the back, instead of spread out horizontally. They are called by some authors damsel-flies.

The species of this family, and especially those of the genus Calopteryx, seem to live preferably in wooded places along the banks of running streams. Their wings are frequently so dark as to appear almost black, and they have also something of a metallic lustre. The body is strikingly metallic, and of an iridescent green and blue. The large pop eyes, which seem almost stalked like those of a crab, are characteristic and distinctive of this and the following group. The flight is not strong, and they are seldom found far from the banks of the stream or pond where they were born and where they lay their eggs.

We have but two genera in this family, namely Calopteryx and Hetaerina. The Hetaerinas have clear wings which however, sometimes bear spots near the tip, and in the males have a brilliant red area near the base of each wing. The Hetaerinas are not woodland species like Calopteryx, but are found near running water in the open.