Chlorolestes draconicus, the Drakensberg malachite, is a species of damselfly in the family Synlestidae.
| Chlorolestes draconicus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Suborder: | Zygoptera |
| Family: | Synlestidae |
| Genus: | Chlorolestes |
| Species: | C. draconicus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Chlorolestes draconicus Balinsky, 1956
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Chlorolestes draconica Balinsky, 1956 [orth. error] | |
Distribution and status edit
This species has a restricted range in the Drakensberg mountains of Lesotho and South Africa.[1] Its conservation status has been assessed as Least Concern as much of its range falls within the uKhahlamba / Drakensberg Park.[2]
Habitat edit
Its natural habitat is rocky streams at high altitude (1700–3000 m).[3]
Identification edit
Where Chlorolestes draconicus is found, it is usually outnumbered by the similar Chlorolestes fasciatus. Key differences between these species are the shape of the antehumeral stripe and the shape of the appendages. Chlorolestes draconicus is also larger and darker than Chlorolestes fasciatus.
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Male -
Male -
Detail of male abdomen; ventral view -
Detail of male abdomen; lateral view -
Female -
Female -
Female -
Comparison of the thoracic patterns of the Drakensberg malachite (top) and the mountain malachite
References edit
- ^ a b Samways, M.J. (2010). "Chlorolestes draconicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T4730A11090775. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T4730A11090775.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ Samways, M.J. (2010). "Chlorolestes draconicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T4730A11090775. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T4730A11090775.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ Tarboton, W.R.; Tarboton, M. (2002). A fieldguide to the dragonflies of South Africa. ISBN 0620298871.
External links edit
Media related to Chlorolestes draconicus at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Chlorolestes draconicus at Wikispecies- Chlorolestes draconicus on African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online
- Chlorolestes draconicus description on Global Biodiversity Information Facility GBIF
