| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Synlestidae |
| Genus | Chlorolestes (1) |
| Size | Length: 43 - 45 mm (2) |
Classified as Endangered (EN A3c; B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)) on the IUCN Red List 2004 (1).
This striking damselfly has a bright metallic-green body with white, powdery splashes on its head and thorax. It is one of the damselflies that sits with its wings held open (2) (3). In this position, the black and white wing patches are very conspicuous. As its name 'apricans' (from the Latin 'apricor', meaning 'to sun oneself' (4)) implies, it is often observed sitting in full sunshine, which highlights the iridescent colouring (2) (3).
The basking malachite inhabits clear, shallow, rocky streams with overhanging long grasses, herbs and indigenous bushes (5).
Both damselflies and dragonflies mate in flight; the male grasps the female at her neck with claspers located at the end of his abdomen so that the two fly in tandem (6). The female then curls round her abdomen to take sperm from the male, which is located on a special organ on his abdomen (6). The basking malachite female deposits her eggs on plants that overhang the streams of their habitat (5). The larval stage of the life-cycle is aquatic, preying on other small invertebrates within quieter reaches of the stream (6).
The habitat of the basking malachite is situated within the prime agricultural lands of the Eastern Cape of South Africa, and the trampling of cattle on riverbanks is destroying the plants upon which females deposit their eggs (5). The shading of streams by the invasive black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) is further depleting available habitat for this damselfly (5).
Acacia spp. are being removed as part of the 'Working for Water' programme and discussions with local farmers are needed to ensure that cattle are allowed only to enter the water in certain areas along the riverbank, therefore preserving the remaining habitat of this beautiful species (5).
Authenticated (11/9/02) by Professor Michael Samways. Chair, Southern African Invertebrates Specialist Group.
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© Michael Samways / University of Stellenbosch
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag XI
Matieland
7602
South Africa
Tel: +27 21 808 9111
samways@sun.ac.za
http://www.sun.ac.za/
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