Synlestidae
The Synlestidae are a family of damselflies
commonly known as sylphs or malachites. They occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, Asia and the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean.
Description
These damselflies are 21 to 36 millimeters long, with slender abdomens. Species are generally metallic green to brown-tinged black in color.Biology
Damselflies of this family are predators. The nymphs live in rivers and streams, and can be found in stagnant pools during the dry season.Systematics
There are nine extant genera. There are also several extinct genera known from fossils.Genera include:
- Chlorolestes
- Chorismagrion
- Ecchlorolestes
- Episynlestes
- Megalestes
- Nubiolestes
- Phylolestes
- Sinolestes
- ''Synlestes''