Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila explained

Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila, known as the rainforest elf, is a subspecies of Tetrathemis irregularis, a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae found only in Australia.^[1]

Description

It is a tiny to small, black and yellow dragonfly with a length of 25-30mm and wingspan of 40-50mm. The mostly clear wings are suffused with pale lemon. The abdomen is black with 3 to 4 yellow markings, and there is a metallic sheen on the synthorax.^[2]

Distribution

The genus Tetrathemis extends from Africa and Madagascar to south-east Asia, New Guinea and Australia. Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila has only been recorded coastal and adjacent inland from Cape York Peninsula to Cardwell in Queensland.^[3] The taxon has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List, but it appears in the Catalogue of Life.^[4]

Habitat

Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila inhabits streams in rainforest.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Australian Faunal Directory. 9 March 2017.
2. Book: Theischinger, G . The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia . Hawking . J . 2006 . CSIRO Publishing . Collingwood Vic. . 978 0 64309 073 6 . 258.
3. Web site: Atlas of Living Australia. 9 March 2017.
4. Web site: Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila. 9 March 2017.