Marbled malachite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marbled malachite |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Wings of E. peringueyi ♂ from Ceres, South Africa. | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ecchlorolestes
|
| Species: |
peringueyi
|
Ecchlorolestes peringueyi is a type of damselfly that belongs to the Synlestidae family. It is often called the marbled malachite because of its unique look.
Contents
What is the Marbled Malachite?
This large damselfly gets its name from its dark, shiny colors. These colors help it hide perfectly. It blends in with rocks that are covered in lichen (a type of mossy growth). Its body is mostly black. It has brown marks on its long, thin tail, especially where the parts join. The very tip of its tail is a bluish-grey color.
Where Does the Marbled Malachite Live?
The marbled malachite lives only in South Africa. This means it is an endemic species. You can find it in special protected areas. These areas are in the Cape Fold Mountains in a region called the Western Cape.
What is the Marbled Malachite's Habitat?
This damselfly naturally lives near rivers. It also likes clear, shallow streams. These streams must have many large rocks covered in lichen. Two groups of marbled malachites live high up in the mountains, over 1,000 meters above sea level. Another group lives at a lower height, about 400 meters above sea level.
What Do We Know About Its Life?
Scientists do not know much about the marbled malachite's life. We know very little about how it reproduces. We also don't know much about its life cycle or what it eats.
What Threats Does the Marbled Malachite Face?
The marbled malachite was probably never very common. But old records show it used to live in more places than it does today. Even though it has declined, its current numbers seem stable. Also, the loss of its habitat (mostly for tree farms) has mostly stopped.
However, this damselfly is still at risk from a few threats. These threats could greatly harm its small, special groups.
- Invasive Trees: Alien trees that are not native to the area are a big problem. They grow quickly and shade out the damselfly's habitat. This is a major threat to many special South African dragonflies and damselflies.
- Introduced Fish: Fish like trout have been brought into these areas. These trout eat damselflies, which is a serious threat to the marbled malachite.
How is the Marbled Malachite Protected?
The marbled malachite lives inside protected areas. This helps keep it safe. A huge national program called the "Working with Water Programme" started in 1995. Its goal was to remove invasive alien plants in South Africa.
This program has been very successful. Other damselflies, like Pseudagrion newtoni, were thought to be gone forever. But they were found again in rivers where alien trees were removed. The natural plants were then able to grow back. This program has also helped the marbled malbled malachite a lot. It is important that no more areas are used for tree farms. Scientists also need to check on the damselfly groups regularly. This makes sure their numbers stay stable. For now, this special damselfly is thought to be safe from disappearing.
