Synlestidae facts for kids
The Synlestidae are a family of damselflies that are often called sylphs or malachites. These cool insects live in different parts of the world, including South Africa, Australia, and South America.
Quick facts for kids Synlestidae |
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| A Chlorolestes tessellatus damselfly | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Suborder: | Zygoptera |
| Family: | Synlestidae Tillyard, 1917 |
Contents
What Do Synlestidae Look Like?
These damselflies are usually 21 to 36 millimeters long. That's about the length of two to three small paperclips! They have thin bodies, which are called slender abdomens.
Most of these damselflies are a shiny metallic green color. Some can also be dark brown or almost black.
What Do Synlestidae Eat?
Damselflies in the Synlestidae family are predators. This means they hunt and eat other smaller creatures. They are important parts of their ecosystems.
Where Do Synlestidae Live?
The young damselflies, called nymphs, live in rivers and streams. When the weather gets dry, and water levels drop, you might find them in still pools of water.
Different Types of Synlestidae
Scientists group these damselflies into different types called 'genera' (plural of 'genus'). There are eight main groups alive today. There are also some groups that are only known from fossils.
Here are some of the main groups:
- Chlorolestes
- Ecchlorolestes
- Episynlestes
- Megalestes
- Phylolestes
- Sinolestes
- Synlestes
