Synthemistidae
Synthemistidae is a family of dragonflies commonly known as tigertails, or sometimes, southern emeralds. This family is part of the superfamily Libelluloidea.
Synthemistidae is an ancient dragonfly family, dating back to the Palaeocene.
Species of Synthemistidae occur in Australia and New Guinea.
Most species are small in size and have narrow abdomens. Nymphs are bottom dwellers, and resist droughts by burying themselves very deeply. Synthemistid dragonflies frequently prefer marshy areas, as well as fast-flowing streams. The family Synthemistidae is sometimes called Synthemidae.
Some taxonomic history
In 2025 a significant revision of Libelluloidea using morphological and molecular techniques added three families and restored six families. This reduced the number of genera included in Synthemistidae.Genera
The family Synthemistidae includes the following genera:- Archaeosynthemis
- Austrosynthemis
- Calesynthemis
- Choristhemis
- Eusynthemis
- Neocaledosynthemis
- Palaeosynthemis
- Parasynthemis
- Synthemiopsis
- Synthemis
- Tonyosynthemis
- †''Gallosynthemis''