Syncordulia gracilis explained

Syncordulia gracilis, the yellow presba, is a species of dragonfly in the family Synthemistidae.

Distribution and status

Endemic species to the south western Western Cape Province, South Africa, with one historic 1948 record from, KwaZulu-Natal Province Drakensberg area, and one record 2000 from Prentjiesberg in Eastern Cape Province. It is rare throughout its range. It is no longer seen at many sites where it once was present, hence its vulnerable Red List status.

Habitat

Its natural habitats are montane streams and rivers flowing over flat rocks, with fynbos or grassy banks localities.^{[1] [2]}

Identification

This species is about 43–48 mm long, with a wingspan 60–70 mm. Sexes much alike but ♀ has an amber wash on forewing and hindwing. The thorax has two yellow stripes on each side, and the abdomen is yellow and black.^{[1] [2]}

Notes and References

1. Book: Tarboton. W.R.. Tarboton. M.. 2015. A guide to dragonflies and damselflies of South Africa. Struik Nature Publishers. 9781775841845.
2. Book: Samways, Michael J.. 2008. Dragonflies and Damselflies of South Africa. Pensoft Publishers. 9789546423306.