Chlorolestes umbratus, the white malachite is a species of damselfly in the family Synlestidae. It is endemic to southern South Africa. This species is found along rivers and streams in both forest and fynbos.[2]

Chlorolestes umbratus
Male
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Synlestidae
Genus: Chlorolestes
Species:
C. umbratus
Binomial name
Chlorolestes umbratus
Hagen in Selys, 1862

Although its range is restricted, and has declined in the past, this species is locally common and has recovered where alien tree species have been removed from waterways.[1]

A small malachite; 38–47 mm long with a wingspan of 46–52 mm. Some males develop a whitish pruinose-blue bloom on the upper thorax, and smoky-black wing bands. Non-pruinose males and females have a metallic-green or brown thorax and abdomen; the thorax has yellow antehumeral stripes. Both sexes can be distinguished from other malachites by their small size, uniformly coloured pterostigmata and wing venation.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Suhling, F.; Samways, M.J. (2010). "Chlorolestes umbratus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T63191A12615882. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T63191A12615882.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Tarboton, W.R.; Tarboton, M. (2005). A fieldguide to the damselflies of South Africa. ISBN 0620338784.
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