| 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] | |
Chlorolestes draconicus, the Drakensberg malachite, is a species of damselfly in the family Synlestidae.
Distribution and status

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
Its natural habitat is rocky streams at high altitude (1700โ3000 m).[3]
Identification
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.
 Male Male
 Male Male
 Detail of male abdomen; ventral view Detail of male abdomen; ventral view
 Detail of male abdomen; lateral view Detail of male abdomen; lateral view
 Female Female
 Female Female
 Female Female
 Comparison of the thoracic patterns of the Drakensberg malachite (top) and the mountain malachite Comparison of the thoracic patterns of the Drakensberg malachite (top) and the mountain malachite
References
- 1 2 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.
- โ 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.
- โ Tarboton, W.R.; Tarboton, M. (2002). A fieldguide to the dragonflies of South Africa. ISBN 0620298871.
External links
 Media related to Chlorolestes draconicus at Wikimedia Commons Media related to Chlorolestes draconicus at Wikimedia Commons
 Data related to Chlorolestes draconicus at Wikispecies Data related to Chlorolestes draconicus at Wikispecies
- Chlorolestes draconicus on African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online
- Chlorolestes draconicus description on Global Biodiversity Information Facility GBIF
