Tetrathemis irregularis is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae, known as the rainforest elf. It is a tiny to small, slender dragonfly with black and yellow markings. It inhabits rainforest streams in north-eastern Australia and Southeast Asia, including the Aru Islands.
Subspecies The species Tetrathemis irregularis includes the following subspecies: Tetrathemis irregularis irregularis - found in South-east Asia and New Guinea Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila - found in Australia and the Aru islands
Etymology The genus name Tetrathemis is derived from the Greek τετρα- (tetra, "four") and -themis, from Greek Θέμις (Themis), the goddess of divine law, order and justice. In early odonate taxonomy, names ending in -themis were widely used for dragonflies. The name refers to the apparently four-sided triangle in the wings.
The species name irregularis is derived from the Latin in- ("not") and regularis ("regular" or "orderly"). The name also refers to the irregular four-sided triangle in the wings.
See also List of Odonata species of Australia
References