Recent dragonfly observations in Armenia, with an updated checklist

Abstract

Thanks to the work of N. N. Akramowski, the Odonata fauna of Armenia had become relatively well known by the late 1940s. In recent years, an effort has been made to collect new information, and this paper reports on the most striking results. Three species new for the country, Erythromma lindenii, Coenagrion scitulum and Orthetrum sabina, are listed. Specimens presumed to be Coenagrion ornatum actually fit the description of C. vanbrinkae. A number of others, viz. Anaciaeschna isoceles, Anax imperator and A. parthenope , are shown to be more abundant than in earlier times, probably due to the construction of ponds and canals. In most of Armenia, hybrid populations of Calopteryx splendens are found, but in the south only genuine C. s. in-termedia occurs. The paper concludes with a checklist and a discussion of why certain species are considered doubtful and have not been included.