About Chlorolestes conspicuus Hagen, 1862
Chlorolestes conspicuus, commonly known as the conspicuous malachite, is a damselfly species belonging to the family Synlestidae. It is endemic to south-western South Africa, where it occurs along rivers and streams in both open and wooded valleys. While it has a restricted range, this locally common species is not currently threatened. It is the largest species in its genus Chlorolestes, with a total body length of 59 to 65 mm and a wingspan ranging from 64 to 72 mm. Males and females of this species have similar appearance; their thorax and abdomen are metallic-green when young, which ages to coppery brown. The thorax bears yellow or bronze antehumeral stripes. This species can be told apart from other malachites in both sexes by its long, uniformly coloured pterostigmata that measure over 2.5 mm, as well as by its characteristic wing venation.
