About Chlorolestes umbratus Hagen, 1862
Chlorolestes umbratus, commonly known as the white malachite, is a species of damselfly belonging to the family Synlestidae. This species is endemic to southern South Africa, where it occurs along rivers and streams in both forest and fynbos habitats. While its total range is restricted and has declined historically, the white malachite is locally common, and populations have recovered in areas where invasive alien tree species have been removed from waterways. It is a small malachite, measuring 38–47 mm in total length with a wingspan of 46–52 mm. Some mature males develop a pale whitish pruinose-blue bloom on the upper surface of the thorax, along with smoky-black wing bands. Non-pruinose males and females have a metallic-green or brown thorax and abdomen, and the thorax bears distinct yellow antehumeral stripes. This species can be told apart from all other malachites by its small body size, uniformly colored pterostigmata, and characteristic wing venation.
