Elattoneura glauca
Male
Female
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Platycnemididae
Genus: Elattoneura
Species:
E. glauca
Binomial name
Elattoneura glauca
(Selys, 1860)
Synonyms[2]

Disparoneura alba Förster 1906 Disparoneura glauca Selys 1860 Disparoneura mutata Selys 1886 Disparoneura simba Martin 1907 Elattoneura alba (Foerster, 1906) Elattoneura mutata (Selys 1886) Elattoneura simba (Martin 1907)

Elattoneura glauca is a species of damselfly in the family Platycnemididae. It is known also as the common threadtail, the grey threadtail or gewone draadstertjie. It is native to the southern half of the African continent, where it is widespread. It lives in shady areas along rivers and streams.[1]

Description

This is a smallish damselfly (wingspan of 40 mm (1.6 in)) which exhibits strong sexual dimorphism. Males have a pale blue thorax with a black lateral stripe. The long, slender abdomen is black, with a while underside, and a pale blue tip. There is a white ring at each joint. The eyes are turquoise.[3][4]

Females and immature individuals are tan, with a narrow whitish band at each segment. Females have a whitish thorax with thick brown stripes. The eyes are pale and striped with brown bands. They are also larger than the males, with a more robust build. The mottled abdomen is less elongate.[3][4] Females may easily be confused with Elattoneura frenulata in areas of range overlap.[5]

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across the southern part of the African continent. It is locally common and may occur in large numbers in suitable habitat.[3] It can be found amongst bushes and grass along rivers and streams. It is usually found in shady areas near the water although individuals may be found further away, in thickets. They are mostly associated with slow flowing water.[5]

Biology

This species is sluggish and often reluctant to fly.[5] They are most common in summer, when they are frequently found perched on rocks or plant stems in pairs.[3] While they may persist year round at many sites, they are encountered far less frequently from late autumn through winter.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 Clausnitzer, V.; Suhling, F. (2016). "Elattoneura glauca". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T59866A84510088. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T59866A84510088.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "Elattoneura glauca Selys, 1860".
  3. 1 2 3 4 Picker, Mike (2019). Field guide to insects of South Africa. Charles L. Griffiths, Alan Weaving (3rd ed.). Cape Town. ISBN 978-1-77584-584-3. OCLC 1114328473.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. 1 2 "Common Threadtail - Elattoneura glauca - Identification tips". www.dragonflies-id.co.za. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Loftie-Eaton, Dragonfly Atlas: Megan; Hofmeyr, Sally; Tippett, Ryan; Underhill, Les (2020-03-03). "Common Threadtail (Elattoneura glauca)". BDI. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
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