<p>The small Pangean dragonfly family Petaluridae poses intriguing questions both on its own evolution and on the evolution of Odonata as a whole. Molecular studies suggest that it began its generic diversification in the Mesozoic and eventually formed two clades, one Laurasian (<i>Tachopteryx</i> and <i>Tanypteryx</i>) and one Gondwanan (<i>Phenes</i>, <i>Uropetala</i> and <i>Petalura</i>). We describe the female genitalia of three species of Petaluridae by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and micro-CT for the first time. An evolution from a plesiomorphic “cutting” (endophytic) ovipositor to an apomorphic “pushing” (endosubstratic) ovipositor is indicated in the Laurasian members, whereas a “pushing” ovipositor is found in all Gondwanan members. The “cutting” ovipositor morphology most fully preserved in <i>Tachopteryx</i> is interpreted as a plesiomorphic morphological trait that has been retained after the functional shift in the egg-laying strategy took place. The possible functions of the studied structures are discussed and the present findings are compared with those of other Odonata.</p> Graphical Abstract <p>Short description and graphical abstract. We describe for the first time the female genitalia of three Petaluridae species using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-CT. A comparative study reveals an ancestral cutting ovipositor transitioning to a pushing type in Laurasian members, whereas Gondwanan members exhibit a pushing ovipositor. Given that all Petaluridae share a similar endosubstratic oviposition, the most fully preserved plesiomorphic ovipositor morphology in <i>Tachopteryx</i> is interpreted as an ancestral morphological trait that was retained after the functional shift in oviposition strategy.</p> <p></p>