Phylolestes ethelae

Phylolestes ethelae
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Synlestidae
Genus:	Phylolestes
Species:	P. ethelae
Binomial name
Phylolestes ethelae Christiansen, 1948

Phylolestes is a monotypic genus of damselflies in the family Synlestidae. It contains the single species Phylolestes ethelae, the Hispaniolan malachite.[1]

Taxonomy

It is the only member of its family native to the Americas; all other species are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Distribution and habitat

It is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, where it occurs in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti.<ref name="iucn status 17 November 2021"> It inhabits streamsides in forested mountain habitat around 2000 meters in elevation. The larvae develop in cold, clear pools.

Conservation

This species has been noted at only three locations on Hispaniola. It is threatened by the destruction of its habitat, and is considered Endangered.<ref name="iucn status 17 November 2021">

References

1. von Ellenrieder, N.; Paulson, D. (2006). "Phylolestes ethelae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2006: e.T17233A6869479. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2006.RLTS.T17233A6869479.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.