Elattoneura frenulata

Elattoneura frenulata
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Platycnemididae
Genus:	Elattoneura
Species:	E. frenulata
Binomial name
	Elattoneura frenulata; (Hagen, 1860)
Synonyms
	Disparoneura frenulataHagen, 1860

Last updated December 26, 2023

Elattoneura frenulata is a species of damselfly in the family Platycnemididae known commonly as the sooty threadtail or Roetswartdraadstertjie. It is endemic to South Africa. It is a localised endemic of montane areas of the Western Cape, marginally expanding into the western parts of the Eastern Cape.^[3] Though it has a restricted distribution, it is locally common. It lives near slow-moving rivers with abundant vegetation.^[1]

Description

This is a small damselfly (length: 35 mm (1.4 in), wingspan up to 46 mm (1.8 in)). The black eyes are far apart and it lacks postocular spots. In males, the thorax and abdomen re a sooty black above and blue or grey-white below. The terminal segments are blue-grey. Females have a brown abdomen and thorax and may be confused with Elattoneura glauca when young.^[4]

Distribution and habitat

The sooty threadtail occurs primarily in the Western Cape of South Africa, although its range does extend slightly into the Eastern Cape.^[4] It is a localised endemic of montane areas, most frequently encountered in areas where a stream narrows between bushes over a small stream where it breeds.^[3] It prefers rivers with pools and slow moving sections and is often found among tall grass.^[4]

Ecology

This species perches low down on grass stems and other stream side vegetation. It will also frequently sit on rocks or bare ground close to the water. They are generally sluggish and reluctant to fly. It has a hovering flight when disturbed and will not fly far, quickly settling on a new perch.^[3]^[4]

Conservation

While it has a restricted distribution, this species locally common. As such, it is listed as least concern by the IUCN. It is moderately sensitive to habitat damage as it requires clean, clear water, but does occur in habitats with some alien vegetation. It readily makes use of suitable man-made bodies of still water along streams and rivers.^[4]

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References

1 2 Samways, M.J. (2010). "Elattoneura frenulata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010: e.T63216A12636031. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T63216A12636031.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
↑ "Elattoneura frenulata Hagen, 1860".
1 2 3 Willis, C. K.; Samways, M. J. (2011). Water Dancers of South Africa's National Botanical Gardens (PDF). SANBI Biodiversity Series 21. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute. ISBN 978-1-919976-68-6.
1 2 3 4 5 Loftie-Eaton, Dragonfly Atlas: Megan; Hofmeyr, Sally; Tippett, Ryan; Underhill, Les (2020-04-17). "Sooty Threadtail (Elattoneura frenulata)". BDI. Retrieved 2021-07-19.