DAMSEL-FLIES 



(Family Calopterygidce.) 



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 irides- 

 cent 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 how- 

 ever, 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. 



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