Libellulidae

views updated

Libellulidae (dragonflies; order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera) Ubiquitous family of dragonflies, of most recent and tropical origin, which contains about one-quarter of all the known species of living Odonata. These dragonflies are usually colourful, and are seen frequenting bodies of still water. The short, stout nymphs are found mainly in still water, where they hunt in the bottom mud. There are about 3750 species, with a cosmopolitan distribution.

More From encyclopedia.com