This is a family of delicate damselflies with six genera and about 20 species in Ecuador. All are small, with body lengths of 30 - 40 mm. The males of some species have exceedingly long, slender abdomens. Most live in forested areas around swamps, ponds, and small streams, where they hide among low plants in the nearby understory (Amazoneura, 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 or leaf tips with the wings folded. Males of the red 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. The quadrangle cell is typically close to a rectangle in shape, distinguishing them from pond damsels and others. |
