The modern order Odonata is divided into
two main suborders: Zygoptera (damselflies) and Epiprocta. Epiprocta is then further subdivided into two infraorders,
the Anisoptera
( true dragonflies) and the Anisozygoptera (a relic group with only two extant representative
species). extinct dragonflies belong to a taxonomic group known
as Odonatoptera.
Major Groups of the
Odonatoptera. extinct groups are signified by Ý.
The Protoanisoptera, whose desendents are probably the Anisoptera,
are known from the Carboniferous and are characterized by dissimilar
fore and hind wings. These are large robust fast flying dragonflies.
The Protozygoptera, whose desendents are the damselflies (Zygoptera),
are known from Permian deposits; in these the fore and hind wings
are a similar shape. They are small and slender insects, which
fly less rapidly than the anisopterans.
The Anisozygoptera, a relict group represented by only two living
species, both found in remote streams in fare east Asia, and
they are listed as endangered species.
