Description :

The damselfly endemic to Guadeloupe (Protoneura romanae) cannot be confused with any other odonate (an order that includes dragonflies and damselflies) in Guadeloupe. It is a small species, measuring no more than 36 mm in length.

In males, the head is mostly black. The eyes are crimson on the upper part and yellowish or orange on the lower part. The thorax displays alternating metallic dark and yellow stripes. The top of the thorax is entirely metallic red with a black keel. The rest of the thorax is bright yellow, except for a suture highlighted in black. The underside of the thorax is bright yellow, with a black spot between the first and second leg insertions. The legs are yellow with black stripes, and the distal part of the femurs is black. The wings are transparent, with black veins and pterostigma.

Females are similar to males but with duller colors. Their eyes are reddish-brown on top and light brown below. The abdomen is thicker than in males, black dorsally, and lighter on the ventral side of the segments. The sternites of segments 6–7 are expanded.

Habitat :

It is found in calm areas of permanent highland rivers and ravines, intermittent streams, and swamp forests. These water bodies are essential for its reproduction and feeding, as it is a predator.

Threats :

The main threat to this species is the destruction and alteration of its habitat due to human activities.