Synlestidae

The Synlestidae are a family of damselflies commonly known as sylphs or malachites. They occur in South Africa, Australia, and South America.

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 Selys, 1862
 * Ecchlorolestes Barnard, 1937
 * Episynlestes Kennedy, 1920
 * Megalestes Selys, 1862
 * Nubiolestes Fraser, 1945
 * Phylolestes Christiansen, 1947
 * Sinolestes Needham, 1930
 * Synlestes Selys, 1868