Hagen In Selys Research Articles

Description of Phylloneura rupestris sp. n. (Odonata, Platycnemididae) from the Western Ghats, India, with notes on its reproductive behaviour

Phylloneura Fraser, 1922 is a genus of damselflies that, to date, has been regarded as monotypic, represented solely by Phylloneura westermanni (Hagen in Selys, 1860) which is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. In our study, we happened upon a population of Phylloneura near the Ponmudi Hills, Thiruvananthapuram, which was notable for displaying morphological and behavioural differences from P. westermanni. Here, we describe it as a species new to science, providing detailed photographs and illustrations. We also provide notes on its reproductive behaviour.

Taxonomic revisions of some Neotropical Zygoptera (Odonata).

We provide updated synonymies for various genera and species of Neotropical Zygoptera based on examination of specimens and literature accompanied by justifications and supported by illustrations. The following generic synonyms are proposed: Austrotepuibasis Machado & Lencioni, 2011 and Pseudotepuibasis Stand-Prez & Prez-Gutirrez, 2020 are junior synonyms of Tepuibasis De Marmels, 2007; Fredyagrion Lencioni, 2022, Kiautagrion Lencioni, 2022, Nathaliagrion Lencioni, 2022, and Machadagrion Lencioni, 2022 are junior synonyms of Leptagrion Selys, 1876; Juenagrion Lencioni, 2023 is a junior synonym of Telebasis Selys, 1865. The following specific synonyms are proposed: Lestes fernandoi Costa, Souza & Muzn, 2006 is a junior synonym of Lestes debellardi De Marmels, 1992; Lestes tikalus Kormondy, 1959 is a junior synonym of Lestes scalaris Gundlach, 1888; Palaemnema brasiliensis Machado, 2009 is a junior synonym of Palaemnema brevignoni Machet, 1990; Hetaerina aurora Ris, 1918 is a junior synonym of Hetaerina duplex Selys, 1853; Hetaerina hebe Selys, 1853 is a junior synonym of Hetaerina longipes Hagen in Selys, 1853; Mnesarete mariana Machado, 1996 is a junior synonym of Mnesarete guttifera (Selys, 1873); Acanthagrion hartei Muzn & Lozano, 2005 is a junior synonym of Acanthagrion obsoletum (Frster, 1914); Oxyagrion bruchi Navs, 1924 is a junior synonym of Oxyagrion ablutum (Calvert, 1909); Austrotepuibasis alvarengai Machado & Lencioni, 2011 and Austrotepuibasis manolisi Machado & Lencioni, 2011 are junior synonyms of Tepuibasis demarmelsi (Machado & Lencioni, 2011). Helveciagrion Machado, 1980 is again considered a junior synonym of Telebasis Selys, 1865; Leptagrion auriceps St. Quentin, 1960 is again considered a junior synonym of Leptagrion macrurum (Burmeister, 1839), and Homeoura sobrina (Schmidt, 1943) is transferred back to Ischnura Charpentier. The following synonymies are tentatively proposed pending further examination of specimens: Philogenia lankesteri Calvert, 1924 is a possible junior synonym of Philogenia carrillica Calvert, 1907; Leptagrion jeromei Lencioni, Vilela & Furieri in Vilela, Garcia Jnior, Furieri & Lencioni, 2021 is a possible junior synonym of Leptagrion andromache Hagen in Selys, 1876; Phoenicagrion flavescens Machado, 2010 is a possible junior synonym of Phoenicagrion flammeum (Selys, 1876); Tuberculobasis mammilaris (Calvert, 1909) is a possible junior synonym of Tuberculobasis croceum (Burmeister, 1839) new combination. The status of Agrion rufovittatum Blanchard, 1846 is briefly discussed.

Molecular Phylogeny of Holarctic Aeshnidae with a Focus on the West Palaearctic and Some Remarks on Its Genera Worldwide (Aeshnidae, Odonata)

Aeshnidae Rambur, 1842 are impressive large insects distributed worldwide. Currently, over 500 species are recognized. Nevertheless, the phylogeny of this family is not completely understood. We applied molecular phylogenetic analysis using two popular phylogenetic markers, the mitochondrial COI gene fragment (barcoding sequence) and the nucleic ITS region, containing the ITS1, 5.8S rRNA, and ITS2 sequences. We used available and credible published sequences and 96 newly sequenced specimens. Our analysis involved all West Palaearctic species, all but one genera of the Holarctic Aeshnidae, and most genera worldwide, and is by far the largest molecular study of this family. The topology of all trees created with different algorithms and genes is in favour of the current taxonomic concept, with some remarkable outcomes. Aeshna Fabricius, 1775, was found to be diverged into several branches, especially with respect to the COI gene. Although it appeared not monophyletic in phylogenetic reconstructions based on the ITS region, the analysis of COI and joint analysis suggest its monophyly in the current taxonomical sense, with one notable exception. Aeshna isoceles (Müller, 1767) has fallen out of Aeshna in all analyses, so a new monophyletic genus, Isoaeschna gen. nov. is introduced for it. The genus Brachytron Evans, 1845 tightly clustered with Aeschnophlebia Selys, 1883, Epiaeschna Hagen in Selys, 1883, and Nasiaeschna Selys in Förster, 1900. Thus, we suggest subsuming these four genera under the priority name Brachytron. Tetracanthagyna Selys, 1883 clusters as expected with Brachytron in the ITS tree, but is an independent ancient clade of its own in all COI trees. The genus Polycanthagyna Fraser, 1933 syn. nov. is synonymised to Indaeschna Fraser, 1926. On the species level, we suggest that the American Aeshna septentrionalis Burmeister, 1839 be treated as a subspecies of A. caerulea (Ström, 1783), Aeshna caerulea septentrionalis. We synonymize Gynacantha hyalina Selys, 1882 with Gynacantha subinterrupta Rambur, 1842. Our analysis provides new insights on the tight relationships of the circumboreal species Aeshna juncea and A. subarctica and the intraspecies phylogeny of Aeshna juncea.

Parasitism of Enallagma civile Hagen in Selys, 1853 (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) by Arrenurus water mites

We compared the prevalence and intensity of Arrenurus sensu stricto water mite parasites on Enallagma civile Hagen in Selys, 1853 (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) from 10 freshwater wetlands (playas) in two different land-cover contexts in western Texas from 2006-2007. Vulnerability to parasitism may be a consequence of disturbance, so we predicted that the more natural form of regional land cover (grasslands) surrounding playas should be associated with a lower water mite load than more disturbed land cover (tilled croplands). Additionally, we examined Arrenurus occurrence and intensity of infection by host sex. Overall prevalence was 38.46% of 130 damselflies sampled having mites; this varied by land-cover type but with opposite trends between years. Overall average parasite load was ~11 water mites per infected host (range: 1-40 mites); intensity was significantly higher in hosts from cropland playas in 2006, but there was no difference by surrounding land cover in 2007. Although there were consistent trends in both years of more males being parasitized than females, the highly uneven distribution of parasites on hosts and differences in average mite load between years generated variability that obscured any statistically significant patterns. Thus, land-cover context surrounding playas, but not host sex, had an impact on parasite load in one of the two years of our study. Future work is needed to identify the mechanisms by which land cover may affect water mite-odonate host-parasite relationships as well as the role of the odonate assemblage as a whole in dispersal of parasites in a temporally dynamic wetland network.

Rediscovery of Anisogomphus ceylonicus (Odonata: Gomphidae) based on its larva

Anisogomphus ceylonicus (Hagen in Selys, 1878) is one of the rarest of the Sri Lankan Odonata. It was first discovered from Ramboda over 140 years ago based on a female specimen, which was originally described as Gomphus ceylonicus and later assigned to the genus Heliogomphus by F. C. Fraser. Almost a century later, Lieftinck (1971) collected an immature male and its exuvia of a clubtail dragonfly from Rambukpath Oya, 10 miles northwest of Hatton in 1962 and described as Anisogomphus solitaris. However, Bedjanič & van der Poorten (2013) recognized that H. ceylonicus is conspecific with A. solitaris, and thus reassigned it to the genus Anisogomphus. Since the discovery of the species, only these two records have ever been documented, despite odonatological surveys and numerous biodiversity explorations conducted on the island.

Leptagrion jeromei (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) spec. nov. from Brazil, with notes on L. andromache Hagen in Selys, 1876.

A new species of Leptagrion Selys, 1876 is described and named in honor to Dr. Jerome Constant: Leptagrion jeromei (Holotype: Brazil: Bahia, Jussari, RPPN Serra do Teimoso, Jequitiba tree (Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze, 1898) at 32 m, 10.v.2005, K.S. Furieri leg and deposited in FAAL). This species was confused for a long time with L. andromache Hagen in Selys, 1876 its closest congener. Diagnostic illustrations of L. andromache (lectotype and specimens collected at AmapBrazil) and L. jeromei spec. nov. are presented. We also present the northernmost record for L. andromache in Amap state, Northern Brazil.

Description of the larva of Argia cuprea (Hagen, 1861) with notes on its phylogenetic affinities (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

The larva of Argia cuprea (Hagen, 1861) is described and figured. It falls into the group of Argia larvae with prominent ligula and one palpal seta, but it differs from its closest relatives by a combination of features such as male gonapophyses reaching posterior ventral margin of S10; dorsal and ventral margin of paraproct with long, abundant, white, delicate setae on distal 0.40; tip of paraproct 20% its total length; lateral surface of paraproct with abundant spiniform setae restricted to the triangular, yellowish-brown, slightly sclerotized area along the inflated area. It appears closely related to A. oenea Hagen in Selys, 1865 and A. orichalcea Hagen in Selys, 1865 larvae.

Patterns of richness, diversity and abundance of an odonate assemblage from a tropical dry forest in the Santiago Dominguillo Region, Oaxaca, México (Insecta: Odonata).

A study on the patterns of richness, diversity and abundance of the Odonata from Santiago Dominguillo, Oaxaca is presented here. A total of 1601 specimens from six families, 26 genera and 50 species were obtained through monthly samplings of five days each. Libellulidae was the most diverse family (21 species), followed by Coenagrionidae (19), Gomphidae (4) and Calopterygidae (3). The Lestidae, Platystictidae and Aeshnidae families were the less diverse, with only one species each. Argia was the most speciose genus with 11 species, followed by Enallagma, Hetaerina, Erythrodiplax and Macrothemis with three species each and Phyllogomphoides, Brechmorhoga, Dythemis, Erythemis and Orthemis with two species each. The remaining 17 genera had one species each. Argia pipila Calvert, 1907 and Leptobasis vacillans Hagen in Selys, 1877 were recorded for the first time for the state of Oaxaca. We also analysed the temporal patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic divergence for the Santiago Dominguillo Odonata assemblage: the Shannon diversity value throughout the year was 21.07 effective species, while the Simpson diversity was 13.17. In general, the monthly phylogenetic divergence was higher than expected for taxonomic distinctness, and lesser for average taxonomic distinctness. Monthly diversity, evenness and taxonomic divergence showed significant positive correlations (from moderate to strong) with monthly precipitation values. The analysis of our results, however, indicates that an increase in rainfall not only influences the temporal diversity of species, but also the identity of supraspecific taxa that constitute those temporal assemblages, i.e. there is an increase in temporal phylogenetic divergence.

Descriptions of larvae of Caliphaea angka Hämäläinen, 2003 and Mnais gregoryi Fraser, 1924 (Odonata: Calopterygidae).

The larvae of Caliphaea angka Hämäläinen, 2003 and Mnais gregoryi Fraser, 1924 are described and illustrated for the first time from Erhai lake Basin, Yunnan Province, China. Notes on their habitat are provided. This paper represents the first verified description of the larva of Caliphaea Hagen in Selys, 1859.

Two new species of Colombian Epigomphus (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The Neotropical genus Epigomphus Hagen in Selys, 1854 groups 31 species distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina. Only two species have been recorded so far from Colombia. Here we present two new species found in the north of the Andean Colombian Cordillera Central, Epigomphus rufus sp. nov. and Epigomphus brillantina sp. nov. Full descriptions of adult male and female and adult male respectively, plus diagnoses, pictures of the diagnostic characteristics, natural history notes, and a distribution map are provided.

Distribution and composition of Dragonfly and Damselfly species (Odonata) of the upper Rio das Velhas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

This paper describes the composition and distribution of Anisoptera and Zygoptera (Odonata) species of the upper Rio das Velhas in the municipality of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A total of 727 specimens of 40 species were collected near water bodies over a period of 23 months between 2015 and 2017. The families with greatest species richness were Libellulidae (13 species), Coenagrionidae (12 species) and Heteragrionidae and Aeshnidae (4 species each). Notable among the species collected were Perilestes fragilis Hagen in Selys, 1862, inhabiting well-preserved forests, Minagrion waltheri Santos, 1965, pertaining a endemic genus of Brazil and the recently described Heteragrion cauei Ávila-Júnior et al., 2017, and three species recorded for the first time for the state: Elasmothemis alcebiadesi (Santos, 1945); Erythrodiplax melanica Borror, 1942 and Erythrodiplax acantha Borror, 1942, the latter is considered Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List.

Forcepsioneura machadorum(Coenagrionidae: Protoneurinae) sp. nov. from the Cerrado Biome of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil

The Neotropical genus Forcepsioneura is composed of 11 species that inhabit almost exclusively the Brazilian Atlantic Forest domain, with F. sancta (Hagen in Selys, 1860) being the only species of ...

Redescription of the larva of Neoerythromma cultellatum (Hagen in Selys, 1876) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae: Coenagrioninae).

The final instar of Neoerythromma cultellatum (Hagen in Selys, 1876) is redescribed and illustrated based upon reared specimens from Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica. This is a detailed complement of the original description provided by García-Díaz (1938) and illustrated with high quality photos of the larval morphology. The larva of N. cultellatum is characterized by a slender, spinulose, and yellow to yellowish-brown body, premental setae 3+1, five palpal setae, male cerci long, and caudal lamella lanceolate, with obvious node, spotted, and markedly tracheate.

Review of the Philippine taxa formerly assigned to the Genus Amphicnemis Selys. Part III. Genus Pericnemis: Bonita- and Incallida- groups with descriptions of four new species (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

The species formerly assigned to the genus Amphicnemis Selys, 1863 in the Philippines are reviewed. The present paper is the third of a series and deals with the species transferred to the genus Pericnemis Hagen in Selys, 1863. Specimens used in the study are all deposited in museums collections. The bonita- and incallida-groups of Pericnemis from the Philippines are characterized. A key to species groups within Pericnemis is given, and also a key to the males of the bonita- and incallida-groups. The bonita-group includes five species: P. bonita Needham & Gyger, 1939, P. flavicornis Needham & Gyger, 1939, P. bisaya sp. nov., P. gili sp. nov. and P. muragbonita sp. nov. The incallida-group includes two species: P. incallida Needham & Gyger, 1939 and P. yakal sp. nov. Descriptions and illustrations are provided of both sexes of all species.

Description of the last instar larva of Peristicta aeneoviridis Calvert, 1909(Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

The larva of Peristicta aeneoviridis Calvert, 1909 is described for the first time, based on material from Misiones Province, Argentina. It differs from the rest of the larvae described for the genus in the shape and coloration of caudal lamellae, femur setae, lacinia teeth and coloration patterns. Additions to the description of the larva of P. forceps Hagen in Selys, 1860 are included.

Diversity of Odonata (Insecta) in Seasonal Deciduous Forest fragments in southern Brazil (state of Rio Grande do Sul), with a new record for the state and comments on the seasonal distribution of the species

Abstract: We present an Odonata (Insecta) check list of species occurring in a fragment of the Seasonal Deciduous Forest (Atlantic Forest biome) from the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil, along with a list of the odonate species recorded in this phytoecological region for the state. In addition, we provide comments on the seasonal distribution of the species occurring in the study area. Two streams and seven farm ponds located in the middle course of the Jacuí River basin were surveyed between December 2007 and February 2009. Overall, we recorded 49 species from 21 genera and six families. Argia serva Hagen in Selys, 1865 (Coenagrionidade) had its first occurrence record mentioned for the state, elevating to 183 the total number of Odonata species occurring in Rio Grande do Sul. The number of species recorded in the study area corresponds to ~26% of the known Odonata diversity in RS. Libellulidae was the most species-rich family (22 species, ~45% of the total), followed by Coenagrionidae (18 species, 37% of the total). The checklist for the Seasonal Deciduous Forest in RS indicated the occurrence of 83 species of Odonata in this phytoecological region (~45% of the known odonate species in the state). This elevated diversity could be related to the density of the vegetation structure. In the study area, 20 species were found in streams, and 45 in farm ponds. Species occurrence showed marked seasonal patterns in the study area, with 88% of the species recorded from summer to autumn, and no species detected in streams in the winter. Moreover, 70% of the species were recorded in either one or two seasons in farm ponds, while 65% occurred solely in one season in streams. This result indicates that the life cycle of Odonata in southern Brazil is strongly influenced by seasonal patterns in temperature.

Final instar larvae of Argia mollis Hagen in Selys, 1865 and Argia smithiana Calvert, 1909 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado.

Recent expeditions to the Serra da Canastra and Chapada dos Guimarães National Parks in Brazil resulted in the collection of larvae of Argia mollis Hagen in Selys, 1865 and A. smithiana Calvert, 1909. Thus, here we describe the last instar larvae of these two Argia species from the Brazilian Cerrado.

The final stadium larva of Euphaea decorata Hagen in Selys, 1853, from Fujian, China (Odonata: Zygoptera: Euphaeidae).

The final stadium larva of Euphaea decorata Hagen in Selys is described and illustrated for the first time. The larva of E. decorata is typical of the genus and characterized by having a flat and long body with large saccoid caudal gills, seven pairs of lateral abdominal gills, two or three large and sharp spines in front of the ventral margin of the eyes, and tridentate palpal lobes of the prementum. The supposed larva of Rhipidolestes nectans is corrected to that of an unknown Euphaeidae. Known Euphaea larvae are shown to be generally very similar, but an old report suggests that the Indian species E. dispar and E. fraseri may show sufficient differences to restore them to the genus Indophaea.

New species of the damselfly genus Argia from Mexico, Central America and Ecuador with an emphasis on Costa Rica (Insecta: Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

Seven new species of Argia are described, five of which occur in Costa Rica: Argia calverti n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, Cartago Prov., Tapantí Reserve, 1,310 m, 6 vii 1963, F. G. Thompson leg., in FSCA); Argia carolus n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, San José Prov., El Rodeo Biological Reserve, 7 km W of Villa Colón, 9°54' N, 84°16' W, 561 m, 10-13 vii 1990, T. W. Donnelly leg., in FSCA); Argia elongata n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, Cartago Prov., Reventazón river, SE of Turrialba by highway 10, 9°52'56'' N, 83°38'49'' W, 561 m, 10 viii 1979, R. W. & J. A. Garrison leg., in CSCA); Argia haberi n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, San José Prov., Bosque del Tolomuco, km 118 on Pan American highway, in seeps and trickles through brushy pasture on forested hillside, 9°28'18'' N, 83°41'48'' W, 1,710 m, 27 iii 2006, F. Sibley leg., in FSCA); Argia schorri n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Costa Rica, Puntarenas Prov., 2.8 mi E of Golfito, 8°39' N, 83°7' W, 35 m, 4 vii 1967, O. S. Flint, Jr. & M. A. Ortiz B. leg., in USNM), and two which are so far only known from Mexico and Ecuador respectively: Argia rudolphi n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Mexico, Puebla State, Zihuateutla, Sierra de Huauchinango, La Unión, in drainage area, 20°14'25'' N, 97°53'38'' W, 596 m, 21 v 1987, R. Novelo & A. Gómez leg., in CSCA) and Argia schneideri n. sp. (Holotype ♂, Ecuador, Napo Prov., Las Palmas, on Anzu river in Napo river watershed, 11 xii 1936, W. Clark-MacIntyre leg., in UMMZ). All the new species, as well as closely related species needed for diagnosis including A. anceps Garrison, A. cupraurea Calvert, A. cuprea (Hagen), A. extranea (Hagen), A. fissa Selys, A. fulgida Navás, A. oenea Hagen in Selys, A. popoluca Calvert, A. rhoadsi Calvert, and A. westfalli Garrison, are illustrated and diagnosed from their congeners and their known distribution areas are mapped.

Female polymorphism and colour variability in Argia oculata (Coenagrionidae: Zygoptera)

Body colouration frequently possesses a communicative function, particularly in species with colour polymorphism and developed visual systems as odonates, and also affects the conspicuousness of animals in relation to the background. Therefore, these factors can influence colour evolution and its development. The ecology and ethology of Argia oculata (Hagen in Selys, 1865) were studied in three populations with different degrees of habitat alteration. Three different sources of colour variability were found: female polymorphism, female ontogenetic change and daily change in both sexes. All males observed presented the same blue thoracic colouration pattern, without ontogenetic changes. Some of them (6–48%, variable between populations) showed a darkening of the thorax colouration in the afternoon. The frequency of androchrome females (male-like thoracic colouration) showed a negative relationship with human habitat disturbance. These females changed their body colour from bluish to brownish at old ages. Gynochrome females started their adult life with sky-blue thorax, which turned to olive green and finally to brown with sexual maturation. One gynochrome female returned to the immature colouration in late hours of the day. Colour changes were apparently not associated to sunlight intensity or temperature. Behavioural observations suggest that colour variability in females might contribute to reduce or avoid male harassment. We contextualise our findings in the Argia literature and propose physiological and evolutionary mechanisms for their explanation.