Dragonflies and Damselflies of Ecuador

William Haber, Electronic Field Guide Project, University of Massachusetts, Boston

David Wagner, University of Connecticut, Storrs
Introduction References Family Descriptions      

Polythoridae - Bannerwings
This family consists of five genera and about 20 species in Ecuador. They are medium-sized damselflies with large eyes and a stout thorax that perch on top of leaves and twig tips in an upright posture with closed wings. Most have dark bodies with pale cream to blue markings, and some have colored patterns on the wings. The females are less brightly marked than the males and difficult to identify, especially since females of some species occur in multiple color forms. The appendages do not vary much among species in either sex. Polythorids are typically found along small streams in forested habitats. The females oviposit in soft, rotten wood or plant stems at or near the water surface. The nymphs can be found among clumps of twigs and dead leaves caught on rocks and branches in flowing water.

Cora inca, male Cora inca, female

Euthore fasciata, male Miocora peraltica, male Polythore gigantea, male

 

Polythore concinna, female
Text and images copyright 2014 by William A. Haber, http://efg.cs.umb.edu/
Created: 24 January 2006. Updated: 25 March 2014.