Photo by Reiner (web/email)

Identification Family represented by only one species, Synlestes weyersii in Victoria.

A common and widespread species occurring exclusively in river habitats, including small creeks and streams. Usually found around bankside vegetation, from which the species usually hangs, perching with the wings held flat. Superficially similar to the Austrolestes but these species perch with wings closed, are significantly smaller, and tend to occupy standing water habitats.

Two subspecies are thought to exist, one with white spots (pterostigma) on the wing tips, the other with dark spots. However, both types have been seen together so their status as subspecies may be in doubt.