diff --git a/ufl/domain.py b/ufl/domain.py
index 8427d11f7..bcb95b217 100644
--- a/ufl/domain.py
+++ b/ufl/domain.py
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ def meshes(self):
 
     def iterable_like(self, element):
         """Return iterable object that is iterable like ``element``."""
-        return iter(self for _ in element.sub_elements)
+        return iter(self for _ in range(element.num_sub_elements))
 
     def can_make_function_space(self, element):
         """Check whether this mesh can make a function space with ``element``."""