The genus belongs to the Meganeuridae, a family including other similarly giant dragonfly-like insects ranging from the Late Carboniferous to Middle Permian.

With single wing length reaching 32 centimetres (13 in)[1] and a wingspan about 65–75 cm (2.13–2.46 ft),[2][3][4] M. monyi is one of the largest-known flying insect species.

In 1885, French paleontologist Charles Brongniart described and named the fossil "Meganeura" (great-nerved), which refers to the network of veins on the insect's wings.

[5] Research on close relatives Meganeurula and Meganeurites suggest that Meganeura was adapted to open habitats, and similar in behaviour to extant hawkers.

Furthermore, as carnivores they mainly ate other insects, small amphibians, and vertebrates using their long spine-like legs to grab and hold their prey.