Dragonflies and Damselflies:
Odonata of Monteverde, Costa Rica

William A. Haber
Electronic Field Guide Project, University of Massachusetts- Boston


Introduction Checklist with Images Family Key Family Descriptions References Map

Protoneuridae - Threadtails

This is a small family of delicate damselflies three genera and seven species known in Costa Rica. All are small, with body lengths of 30 - 35 mm. The males of some species have exceedingly long, slender abdomens. Most live in forested areas along ponds and small streams, where they hide among low plants in the nearby understory (Psaironeura) or patrol quiet pools in streams (Neoneura and Protoneura). They can be elusive and hard to see as they float slowly among plant stems and tree roots. They perch in a semi-horizontal posture on plant stems with the wings folded. Males of the orange species can be conspicuous as they hover close to the water surface over sunny stream pools. Most species oviposit in tandem on floating plant debris rafted in eddies.
Neoneura esthera, male Neoneura amelia, female

Protoneura sulfurata, male Protoneura amatoria, female

Psaironeura selvatica, male Psaironeura selvatica, female

Text and images copyright 2004-2007 by William A. Haber, http://efg.cs.umb.edu/
Created: 27 November 2007.