Pantala Flavescens Research Articles

Dragonfly‐Inspired Compound Eye Lens with Biomimetic Structural Design

AbstractCompound eye biomimetics are extensively studied owing to their high level of functionality. However, optimizing material‐dependent parameters, such as refractive index, is essential for maximizing lens function. Therefore, metal films are deposited on Pantala flavescens compound eyes using a magnetic mirror magnetron cathode, which deposits films at low temperatures without plasma impingement. By increasing the thickness of the film on the compound eye surface, a compound eye mold is successfully fabricated with high heat tolerance. Lens fabrication is achieved using a high‐temperature‐curable resin. The resulting lens comprises numerous uniformly shaped functional units. This method offers a highly reproducible lens‐pouring molding technique using various materials, marking a significant advancement in developing imaging devices and sensors that accurately replicate the functionalities of dragonfly eyes.

Dragonfly: A Master of Migration

Insect migration is vital for ecosystems, with trillions of individuals redistributing biomass and nutrients annually. Dragonflies, particularly Pantala flavescens are notable migratory insects capable of traveling over 6,000 kilometres across generations. Their migrations are influenced by resource availability, breeding needs, environmental conditions, and competition avoidance. This behaviour includes both seasonal movements and sporadic flights triggered by temperature and wind cues. Despite their well-known life cycle from aquatic nymphs to aerial adults, many aspects of their migration remain under-researched. Dragonflies exhibit diverse flight mechanisms, employing four distinct modes: counter-stroking for hovering, phased-stroking for cruising synchronized stroking for acceleration, and gliding for energy conservation. Migratory species show specific wing adaptations for improved endurance, such as elongated forewings and larger hindwings, along with sensory enhancements like enlarged thoracic setae. Specialized flight muscles allow for independent wing control, essential for complex movements. Additionally, physiological adaptations like fat accumulation and rapid development support their migratory behaviour. Recent studies also highlight nocturnal migrations, revealing unique flight patterns and adaptations. Together, these traits underscore the evolutionary success of dragonflies in diverse ecosystems.

Diversity of Odonata in Hokersar Wetland- A Ramsar Site of Kashmir Himalaya, India

The present study was carried out from 2021 to 2023 to assess the diversity and seasonal distribution of odonates in the Hokersar wetland. A total of 18 species under 11 genera and four families were observed of which a high diversity of dragonflies were seen compared to damselflies. Libellulidae was found to be the most species-rich family followed by Aeshnidae. The most abundant species were Pantala flavescens (F) (11.98%), Crocothemis servilia (Drury) (11.35%) and Ischnura inarmata Calvert (11.09%). A change in diversity and abundance across seasons was observed with the highest being in summer followed by autumn, while absence during spring and autumn was seen, except for Sympecma paedisca (Brauer) found throughout the year.

A comparison of the large-scale gene expression patterns in summer and fall migratory Pantala flavescens (Fabricius) in northern China.

Pantala flavescens (Fabricius) is the most well-known seasonal migratory insect. This research focused on the molecular response of P. flavescens migration in summer and fall. A total of 17,810 assembled unigenes were obtained and 624 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in summer migration compared to fall migration. A number of DEGs, including cpr49Ae, itm2b, chitinase, cpr11B, laccase2, nd5, vtg2 and so on, had previously been reported to be involved in cold- and high-temperature resistance. Functional enrichment analysis showed three pathways 'that antibacterial humoral response, response to bacterial, and lipid transporter activity' were significantly enriched in summer migration while that six pathways 'structural constituent of cuticle, chitin binding, mitochondrion, propanoate metabolism, citrate cycle, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy' were significantly enriched in fall migration. These results will provide a valuable baseline for further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of insect adaptation to different climate migrations.

Reproducción de Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) (Odonata, Libellulidae) en la península ibérica y descripción de un posible corredor migratorio desde la costa occidental africana

A swarm of Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) observed in a section of the Barbate River in Cádiz is described. In addition, the reproduction of the species is confirmed in the La Breña and Marismas del Barbate Natural Park. These are the first records of migratory and reproductive behaviour of the species since its presence was first detected in the Iberian Peninsula (BERNAL-SÁNCHEZ & CONESA-GARCÍA, 2021). A possible migratory path of this swarm is also proposed, as well as its dispersion in the Iberian Peninsula.

Species composition and diversity of Odonata fauna in Cauvery River of Mettur dam, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India

Odonata diversity study was carried out from September 2020 to October 2022 in the Mettur Dam, Salem District. Among the total 40 different species, 27 species were in Anisoptera (dragonflies) and 13 species in Zygoptera (damselflies) under five families. Libellulidae was the largest family recorded (16 species), followed by Coenagrionidae (11), Aeshnidae (2), Lestidae (2) and Gomphidae (1). A migratory species, Pantala flavescens, was the most dominant in numbers throughout the year. Maximum number of individuals was found during September 2020 to September 2021. Odonata diversity was higher in the first season of 2021 than in next second season. Both dragonflies and damselflies mainly used wetlands of the dam ecosystem and agricultural fields rather than shrubland.

Insect diversity and abundance in three forest areas of Lagos State

Mangrove forest ecosystem preserves diversity of species, which includes insects. Insects serve as bioindicators, pollinators and nutrient recyclers in the forest. However, the number of insects decline as the forest fades. We conducted this field survey to assess the diversity and abundance of insect species in three selected mangrove swamp forests located in Lagos State, Nigeria. Samples were collected fortnightly using different techniques, for a period of three months. Insects collected were preserved in 70% alcohol, but butterflies and moths were preserved dry. Representative samples were identified with picture insect mobile application V1.0.8 and confirmed using standard identification keys. Vegetation cover was quite similar in all the areas sampled comprising of Alchornea cordifolia, Eragrosis racemose, Paspalum dilatatum and Avicennia germania. A total of 182 insects were collected belonging to seven Orders, 18 Families and 38 species. The most dominant Order was Coleoptera with relative abundance of 66.48% and the least was Hemiptera (0.59%). The Order Odonata was the most diverse (HꞋ=1.09), and the most dominant species were Pantala flavescens and Sympetrum fonscolombii, having relative abundance of 8.24% each, followed by Palpopleura lucia (7.69%), Ceriagrion glabrum (7.14%) and Lestinogomphus africanus (6.04%). Psedagrion kersteni was rare with relative abundance < 0.5%. Iba site had the highest species diversity (HꞋ=1.24) but lowest number of individuals. This study documents the diversity and abundance of insects in the fast-disappearing mangrove forest of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Exploring chromosome evolution in 250 million year old groups of dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta:Odonata).

Using recently published chromosome-length genome assemblies of two damselfly species, Ischnura elegans and Platycnemis pennipes, and two dragonfly species, Pantala flavescens and Tanypteryx hageni, we demonstrate that the autosomes of Odonata have undergone few fission, fusion, or inversion events, despite 250 million years of separation. In the four genomes discussed here, our results show that all autosomes have a clear ortholog in the ancestral karyotype. Despite this clear chromosomal orthology, we demonstrate that different factors, including concentration of repeat dynamics, GC content, relative position on the chromosome, and the relative proportion of coding sequence all influence the density of syntenic blocks across chromosomes. However, these factors do not interact to influence synteny the same way in any two pairs of species, nor is any one factor retained in all four species. Furthermore, it was previously unknown whether the micro-chromosomes in Odonata are descended from one ancestral chromosome. Despite structural rearrangements, our evidence suggests that the micro-chromosomes in the sampled Odonata do indeed descend from an ancestral chromosome, and that the micro-chromosome in P. flavescens was lost through fusion with autosomes.

Population Dynamics of Dragonflies at The Paddy Field Ecosystem, Sidorejo, Central Bengkulu

The rice fields of Sidorejo Village have the potential for dragonfly diversity. This study aims to analyze fluctuations in the diversity and abundance of dragonflies in three ecosystem conditions of rice fields in Sidorejo Village, Bengkulu Tengah. Sampling using purposive sampling with the cruising method. Data analysis was carried out descriptively through the identification of characteristics to obtain the name of the species. After the species name was obtained, the relative abundance, Shannon Wienner diversity index, and species evenness index were calculated. The results of the study found that the harvest ecosystem had the highest diversity and abundance of dragonflies (13 species and 45 individuals). The species that were consistently found in three types of ecosystems were Orthetrum sabina, O. testaceum, and Pantala flavescens. The species with the highest relative abundance was O. sabina with 32%. The diversity index ranged from 1.32 (post-harvest) to 2.25 (harvest). The highest evenness index was in the post-harvest ecosystem at 0.95, and the lowest was in the harvest ecosystem at 0.87. The results of this study are expected to show that the diversity and abundance of dragonflies fluctuate depending on seasonal ecosystem conditions in the rice fields.

Behavioral responses of tadpoles of Clinotarsus curtipes (Anura: Ranidae) to odor cues of dragonfly larvae


 
 
 
 In aquatic environments, many prey animals, including anuran larvae, predominantly use chemical cues to assess predation risk. In such systems, a variety of chemical cues (e.g., kairomones, alarm, dietary) affect the behavioral responses of the prey tadpoles. Many anuran tadpoles are able to discriminate different chemical cues and exhibit differential antipredator behavioral responses according to the perceived risk. The behavioral responses of tadpoles of Clinotarsus curtipes to predatory larvae of the dragonfly Pantala flavescens were studied in the laboratory. The predator’s kairomones (water conditioned by a starved predator) or its diet-derived metabolites released in excreta of a predator after consumption of conspecific (C. curtipes) or heterogeneric (Indosylvirana temporalis) prey tadpoles were used to simulate predation threat. The tadpoles of C. curtipes had no behavioral response to predator kairomones. However, the tadpoles showed antipredator behavioral responses i.e., reduced swimming movements and overall time spent swimming, and had a higher burst speed in response to water-borne cues released from the excreta of predators fed both conspecific and heterogeneric prey. The antipredator behavioral responses of tadpoles were most intense in response to cues of predators fed on conspecific prey. The findings of the present study show that tadpoles of C. curtipes are capable of assessing levels of predation threat and modulating the intensity of their defense behavior in accordance with the perceived threat.
 
 
 

Transoceanic migration network of dragonfly Pantala flavescens: origin, dispersal and timing

The awe-inspiring multi-generational, transoceanic migration circuit of dragonfly species, Pantala flavescens stretches from India to Africa. Understanding the collective role of wind, precipitation, fuel, breeding, and life cycle driving the migration remains elusive. We identify the transoceanic migration route from years 2002 to 2007 by imposing an energetics-based time-constraint on a modified Dijkstra’s path-planning algorithm incorporating active wind compensation. The prevailing winds play a pivotal role; the Somali Jet enables migration across the Indian Ocean from Africa to India, whereas the return requires stopovers at the disappearing islands of the Maldives and Seychelles. The migration timing, identified using monthly-successful trajectories, life cycle, and precipitation data, corroborates sightings. A branched-network hypothesis connects our sighting in Cherrapunji (North-East India), the likely origin, to the known migration circuit.

Host and transmission route of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) between dragonfly and shrimp

Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a shrimp pathogen that causes huge economic losses. In the present study, the hosts of EHP were investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in an aquaculture farm located in Maoming, China. EHP was detected in Litopenaeus vannamei, Penaeus monodon, Varuna litterata, Mytilopsis leucophaeata, and three dragonfly species (Anax parthenope, Pantala flavescens, and Ischnura senegalensis). In the histopathological examination using hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, EHP spores were found in nymphs and adult dragonflies naturally infected with EHP that were collected from the shrimp farm. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results showed a positive signal for EHP infection in the fat body of dragonfly nymphs. Immature and mature microsporidian spores and late sporogonial plasmodium were observed in the cytoplasm of dragonfly nymphs using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The transmission of EHP from shrimp to dragonfly nymphs was confirmed via cohabitation challenge experiments in which EHP-free dragonfly nymphs were cohabited with EHP-infected shrimp, and the transmission of EHP from dragonfly nymphs to shrimp was demonstrated via the cohabitation of EHP-infected dragonfly nymphs with EHP-free shrimp and oral administration challenge experiments. This study confirms that dragonflies can act as natural EHP hosts, and a novel EHP horizontal transmission route exists between dragonflies and shrimp.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes in Migratory and Nonmigratory Pantala flavescens

Pantala flavescens is capable of extraordinary long-distance seasonal migrations. However, few studies investigated the molecular mechanisms related to locomotion in P. flavescens. We conducted transcriptome sequencing to investigate differences in the gene expression levels between migratory and nonmigratory P. flavescens, and obtained 43.79 Gb of clean data, 17 810 unigenes, and 27 701 transcripts. Moreover, 382 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 259 genes were upregulated and 123 downregulated. Eight DEGs were selected for RT-qPCR, whose results showed that the differences in the expression patterns were similar to the transcriptome results. We found that the highly expressed genes in the migratory samples were associated with electron transport chain complexes, microtubule, antioxidant and detoxication. Heat-shock proteins could be related to thermal tolerance in the nonmigratory samples. Gene ontology (GO) terms were involved in metabolic processes, respiratory transport chain, and ATP biosynthesis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were involved in oxidative phosphorylation and citrate cycle.

Visualisation of early embryos of the wandering glider, Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) (Odonata: Libellulidae)

The embryonic development of Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) is documented for the first time. In contrast to previously reported insect embryonic development, we describe the embryological development of P. flavescens in living conditions by focusing on its externally recognisable features, i.e., we conducted the study in a purely non-destructive manner. The entire embryonic development was completed within six to seven days. We pictured the eggs at successive embryonic developmental stages: embryogenesis starts, germband formation, segmentation, blastokinesis, appendage formation, and dorsal closure. These findings can be helpful in future studies regarding the impacts of pollutants and climate change on the early embryonic development of dragonflies.

Correction to: Wing size, shape, and asymmetry analysis of the wandering glider, Pantala flavescens (Odonata: Libellulidae) revealed that hindwings are more asymmetric than the forewings

Correction to: Wing size, shape, and asymmetry analysis of the wandering glider, Pantala flavescens (Odonata: Libellulidae) revealed that hindwings are more asymmetric than the forewings

Wing size, shape, and asymmetry analysis of the wandering glider, Pantala flavescens (Odonata: Libellulidae) revealed that hindwings are more asymmetric than the forewings

Wing size, shape, and asymmetry analysis of the wandering glider, Pantala flavescens (Odonata: Libellulidae) revealed that hindwings are more asymmetric than the forewings

Projected Effects of Climate Change on Species Range of Pantala flavescens, a Wandering Glider Dragonfly.

Dragonflies are sensitive to climate change due to their special habitat in aquatic and terrestrial environments, especially Pantala flavescens, which have extraordinary migratory abilities in response to climate change on spatio-temporal scales. At present, there are major gaps in the documentation of insects and the effects of climatic changes on the habitat and species it supports. In this study, we model the global distribution of a wandering glider dragonfly, P. flavescens, and detected the important environmental factors shaping its range, as well as habitat shifts under historical and future warming scenarios. The results showed a global map of species ranges of P. flavescens currently, including southern North America, most of South America, south-central Africa, most of Europe, South, East and Southeast Asia, and northern Oceania, in total, ca. 6581.667 × 104 km2. BIO5 (the max temperature of warmest month) and BIO13 (the precipitation of wettest month) greatly explained its species ranges. The historic refugia were identified around the Great Lakes in the north-central United States. Future warming will increase the total area of suitable habitat and shift the type of suitable habitat compared to the current distribution. The habitat suitability of P. flavescens decreased with elevation, global warming forced it to expand to higher elevations, and the habitat suitability of P. flavescens around the equator increased with global warming. Overall, our study provides a global dynamic pattern of suitable habitats for P. flavescens from the perspective of climate change, and provides a useful reference for biodiversity research and biological conservation.

Bioinspired multiple-degrees-of-freedom responsive metasurface by high-entropy-alloy ribbons with hierarchical nanostructures for electromagnetic wave absorption

The compound eyes of the dragonfly, Pantala flavescens Fabricius, are covered by micro-scaled ocelli capable of sensing polarized light, an attractive property for radar stealth and counterreconnaissance. In this work, we fabricated biomimetic electromagnetic wave absorption materials (EAMs) by analyzing the covert information identifications of biological systems and focusing on the design of metastructures and microstructures. Several bionic metasurfaces with anisotropic double-V meta atoms made up of (FeCoNiSi8.9Al8.9)C0.2 high-entropy-alloy (HEA) ribbons for multiple-degrees-of-freedom recognition and broadband absorption are presented. The covert phase, amplitude, and angular momentum of electromagnetic waves were controlled and recognized as information by manipulating the rotation angle θ of meta atoms. A vortex wave with a topological charge of 1 was generated to recognize linearly polarization and left- and right-handed circular polarization. In addition, the polarization conversion enhanced absorption. The hierarchical nanostructures of HEA ribbons give rise to suitable electromagnetic loss and a superior impedance match. Finally, inspired by the structure of compound eyes, the designed multilayer metamaterials realized effective absorption (reflection loss (RL) ≤ − 10 dB) within the 4.5–18 GHz regime under 2.8 mm thickness. These materials provide evidence for a new way for integrated EAMs and metamaterials.

Diversity of the Anisoptera & Zygoptera (Odonata: Insecta) of Swat, Pakistan.

Odonates are important biological control agents for the control of insect pests and insect disease vectors of medical and veterinary importance. The present study was conducted to evaluate the odonate fauna of Swat, Pakistan from March to October 2019. A total of 200 specimens of odonates were collected from diverse habitats. The collected specimens of the order Odonata belonged to 5 families, three families of suborder Anisoptera namely Libellulidae, Gomphidae and Aeshnidae while two families of suborder Zygoptera (Chlorocyphidae and Coenagrionidae). The specimens were categorized into 12 genera and 22 species. Libellulidae was the dominant family (n = 138) accounting for 69% of the odonate fauna. Orthetrum was the dominant genus (n = 73) of suborder Anisoptera accounting for 36.5% of the odonate fauna. The least dominant genera were Anax, Paragomphus and Rhyothemis (n = 5 each) accounting each for 2.5% of the odonate fauna. In Zygoptera, the dominant genus was Ceriagrion (12.5%) and the least dominant genus was Ischnura (6%). Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) was the most abundant odonate species in the study area recorded from all surveyed habitats. Shannon Diversity Index (H) was 2.988 and Simpson Diversity Index (D) was 0.95 for the collected odonate fauna. The highest abundance of Odonata was recorded in August, September and May while no odonate species were recorded in January, February, November and December. Lotic water bodies were the most suitable habitats with abundant odonate fauna. Anax immaculifrons (Rambur, 1842) was the largest sized odonate species having a wingspan of 53.2±1.63 mm and body length of 56.3 ± 0.4 mm. The present study shows the status of odonate fauna of Swat, Pakistan in diverse habitats and seasonsonal variation throughout the year. Further work is recommended to bridge the gaps in the existing literature.

Keanekaragaman Capung (Odonata) di Kawasan Gunung Api Purba Nglanggeran Kabupaten Gunungkidul

This study aims to determine the types of dragonflies and the level of diversity of dragonfly species in the Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano Area, Patuk Kapanewon, Gunungkidul Regency. This research is a descriptive observational study, with accidental sampling technique. The research was conducted in March-May 2021 in the Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano Area, Patuk Kapanewon, Gunungkidul Regency. Observations were made at 08.00-16.00 WITA. The results found 11 species of dragonflies, from the Aeshnidae family 1 species (Gynacantha subinterrupta), 9 species from the Libellulidae family (Agrionoptera insignis, Diplacodes trivialis, Lathrecista asiatica, Neurothemis rambutii, Neurothemis terminata, Orthretrum sabina, Pantala flavescens, Potamarcha congener, and Zyxomma obtusum) , and 1 species from the Platycnemididae family (Copera marginipes). The diversity level of dragonflies in the Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano Region according to the Shanon-Whiener (H') diversity index is in the medium category, with a value of 1.65.