There are about 150 species in this family of damselflies. Nine species are found in North America.

Broad-winged damselflies are 1.5 – 2.5 inches in length. They are usually metallic black or green. Broad-winged damselflies have broad wings, long antennae, and long, slender, stick-like abdomens.

When broad-winged damselflies are at rest, they hold their wings together vertically above their body. They are usually found on vegetation around rivers and streams. They eat insects and other arthropods.

Broad-winged damselflies overwinter as eggs. Broad-wing damselfly larvae are usually found in rivers and streams. They are predators and hunt in the vegetation in the water for food. In some species in this family, immature damselflies have gills.