Explanation of Names
CALOPTERYGIDAE: from the Greek "kalos" (beautiful) + "pteron" (wing or feather) ...you might call these the beautiful-winged damselflies
Numbers
8 species in 2 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
Identification
wings broader - relative to their length - than in the pond damselflies (Coenagrionidae) or spreadwings (Lestidae)
Habitat
larvae are aquatic; adults usually found on vegetation near water
Season
spring through fall; peak numbers in summer
Food
larvae and adults prey on insects and other arthropods
Internet References
live adult images of 5 species in 2 genera (Glenn Corbiere, Massachusetts)