Study of dragonfly (Odonata) migrations in the Western Tien Shan mountains using ornithological traps

Abstract

Migrations of dragonflies in Chokpak Pass of the Western Tien Shan (42.530°N, 70.605°E) were studied using large bird traps of the Rybachy type, which proved to be very efficient for recording these insects. The obligatory southward autumn migrations were proved for Sympetrum fonscolombii and Anax parthenope, and supposed for Hemianax ephippiger, which is a rare species in this region. The autumn movement from the mountains to plains was recorded for the species characterized by seasonal vertical migrations: Sympetrum arenicolor, S. striolatum pallidum, and Aeshna mixta. The cold air fronts increase the intensity of flights.