Sooty Threadtail

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.

The sooty threadtail occurs primarily in the Western Cape of South Africa, although its range does extend slightly into the Eastern Cape. 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. It prefers rivers with pools and slow moving sections and is often found among tall grass.

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.