Migrations of dragonflies (Odonata) in the south of the West Siberian plain

Abstract

The paper presents a summary of mass dragonfly migrations observed previously in Russia, in particular in West Siberia. From 1969 to 2009, the authors studied the dynamics of dragonfly population, their spatial distribution and movements in the West Siberian forest-steppe. The main studies were conducted in the Lake Chany basin (the Biological Station of the Institute of Animal Systematics and Ecology, Siberian Division, Russian Academy of Sciences). The spatial redistribution of dragonflies is regarded as a balance of homing and wandering behavior. Homing results in a relative stability of local dragonfly populations and assemblages, while wandering leads to dispersal of dragonflies from their emergence sites and colonization of new habitats; the latter is especially important due to the ephemeral nature of many shallow reservoirs where the nymphs develop. The formation of more or less constant migration routes is a peculiar variant of wandering activities. A special type of dragonfly migrations is mass exodus from native habitats, triggered by excessive population growth and leading to elimination of all or most individuals. Such migrations not only optimize the size of dragonfly populations but also facilitate removal of nutrients and organic matter from eutrophic water bodies. An original generalized classification of dragonfly migrations is proposed.