Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila

Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila, known as the rainforest elf, is a subspecies of Tetrathemis irregularis, a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae found only in Australia.[2]

Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila
Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila, Cairns, Australia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Infraorder: Anisoptera
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Tetrathemis
Species:
T. irregularis
Subspecies:
T. i. cladophila
Trinomial name
Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila
(Tillyard, 1908)[1]
Synonyms[2]
  • Tetrathemis cladophila Tillyard, 1908

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.[3]

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.[4] The taxon has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List, but it appears in the Catalogue of Life.[5]

Habitat

Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila inhabits streams in rainforest.

  • Female in Cairns
    Female in Cairns
  • Male in Cairns
    Male in Cairns
  • Female Rainforest elf in Cairns, head on view
    Female Rainforest elf in Cairns, head on view
  • Illustration of Tetrathemis wings
    Illustration of Tetrathemis wings
  • Photo of female wings
    Photo of female wings

References
  1. Tillyard, R.J. (1908). "On some remarkable Australian Libellulinae. Part ii. Descriptions of new species". Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. 33: 637–649 [647] – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  2. "Australian Faunal Directory". Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  3. Theischinger, G; Hawking, J (2006). The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Collingwood Vic.: CSIRO Publishing. p. 258. ISBN 978 0 64309 073 6.
  4. "Atlas of Living Australia". Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  5. "Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila". Retrieved 9 March 2017.

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