Genus Ecchlorolestes Barnard, 1937
toothed malachites

Type species: Chlorolestes peringueyi Ris, 1921

Introduction

Two fairly large (hindwing 27-30 mm) species confined to south-western South Africa both differ from Chlorolestes by the toothed cerci and wing venation details, but are very different from each other. E. nylephtha is slender and green metallic, lurking in deeply shaded and often ferny forest streamlets on the Garden Coast. E. peringueyi inhabits stony streams in the south-western Western Cape and typically perches with wings and body pressed against a flat rock surface. As it favours horizontal shady faces, the blotchy grey coloration renders it remarkably inconspicuous. [Adapted from Dijkstra & Clausnitzer 2014]

Diagnosis

For the identification of this genus, please refer to: Tarboton, W. & Tarboton, M. 2015. A guide to the dragonflies (Odonata) of South Africa. Cape Town: Random House Struik.

Map citation: Clausnitzer, V., K.-D.B. Dijkstra, R. Koch, J.-P. Boudot, W.R.T. Darwall, J. Kipping, B. Samraoui, M.J. Samways, J.P. Simaika & F. Suhling, 2012. Focus on African Freshwaters: hotspots of dragonfly diversity and conservation concern. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 129-134.

Reference

• Pinhey, E. (1951). The dragonflies of southern Africa. Transvaal Museum Memoir 5, Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, 1-335. [PDF file]

Citation: Dijkstra, K.-D.B (editor). African Dragonflies and Damselflies Online. http://addo.adu.org.za/ [2024-11-15].