Odonate Fauna Research Articles

New County Distribution Records of Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) in Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee

A total of 30 new odonate county distribution records are presented for counties in Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The known odonate fauna of Madison County, Kentucky, is increased from 16 to 27 species and the fauna of Claiborne County, Tennessee, is increased from 18 to 27 species. Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae species accounted for the majority of the new records, 15 and 7, respectively.

ФАУНА СТРЕКОЗ (ODONATA) ТУВЫ

The known odonate fauna of Tuva in Siberia, Russia, is documented. It includes 47 species. In the southern Ubsu-Nur depression 29 species were recorded (2 just there); in the Central Tuvinian depression 34 species (6 just there) and in the Todzha depression 32 species (9 just there). The fauna of the more humid taigaous region of Todzha contains lacks 7 species found elsewhere in Tuva. In spite of Todzha's position in the north-east, its fauna shows a more western character and includes a population of Calopteryx splendens with a high proportion of two morphs of androchromic females and a male morph with wings coloured to the tips. Todzha is inhabited by Enallagma c. cyathigerum with a variably melanised abdomen, while in the Central Tuvinian and Ubsu-Nur depressions, E. c. risi occurs. In Turan and the Upper Kaa-Khem basin, intergradation between both taxa takes place. In Todzha, Somatochlora exuberata and S. metallica abocanica are sympatric without intermediate forms and with habitat segregation, thus proving their status as separate species. Todzha is inhabited by Ophiogomphus obscurus while the rest of Tuva harbours O. spinicornis. The status of vicariant western/eastern pairs of taxa in the genus Leucorrhinia: dubia/orientalis and rubicunda/indermedia, is discussed in detail.

Ecology of the dragonflies at the westernmost spot of Africa, the island of Santo Antão, Cape Verde (Odonata)

Abstract From 12 to 25 August 2009, the odonate fauna of Santo Antao, Cape Verde was surveyed by recording adults and collecting larvae and exuviae at 26 localities, mostly situated in the northwest of the island. Based on the results of this survey and literature data on the Cape Verdes it appears that the resident odonate fauna consists of only five species, namely Anax imperator, Crocothemis erythraea, Orthetrum trin- acria, Trithemis annulata and Zygonyx torridus. Three additional species, Anax ephippiger and Pantala flavescens, which were recorded as single adults in this study, and Sympetrum fonscolombii, which was previously recorded in another study, represent seasonal invaders that do not establish permanent populations on the island. Surprisingly, there is no zygopteran species recorded from the island, although a few occur on the neighbouring islands. The breeding habitats of the resident odonates on the island comprise short perennial stream sections in large wadi beds (‘ribeiras’) that are in...

Odonata of Tuva, Russia

Abstract The odonate fauna of Tuva in Siberia, Russia, is documented, based mainly on data from expeditions in 1990, 2000 and 2004, and examination of collections preserved in Novosibirsk. The checklist of Tuvinian Odonata presently includes 47 species. In the southern Ubsu-Nur depression 29 species were recorded (two just there); in the Central Tuvinian depression 34 species (six just there) and in the Todzha depression 32 species (nine just there). The fauna of the more humid taiga region of Todzha, separated from the arid remainder of Tuva by the Obruchev Mts, contained some forest species but lacked seven species found elsewhere in Tuva. In spite of Todzha's position in the north-east, its fauna showed a more western character and included a population of Calopteryx splendens with a high proportion of androchromic females and males with wings coloured to the tips. Todzha was also inhabited by Enallagma c. cyathigerum with a variably melanized abdomen, while in the Central Tuvinian and Ubsu-Nur depress...

Diversity and Habitats of a Prairie Assemblage of Odonata at Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

Abstract An inventory of the dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) at the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (LNWR) was conducted during the summer of 2003. Adult censuses and larval sampling at 32 wetland sites produced 10 dragonfly and 14 damselfly species that were resident in the refuge. In 2006, two additional species were added. The odonate fauna of LWNR consisted primarily of widespread, common species that are adapted to fishless lentic communities and tolerant of alkaline and impermanent water regimes. Enallagma annexum (Hagen), Enallagma boreale Selys, Lestes disjunctus Selys, Lestes congener Hagen, Sympetrum costiferum (Hagen), and Sympetrum internum Montgomery were the most abundant odonates at the refuge. The odonate communities of semipermanent, oligosaline ponds were the most diverse and included species of Aeshna, Anax, Libellula, Leucorrhinia, Sympetrum, Lestes, Coenagrion, Enallagma, Ischnura, and Nehalennia. Large polysaline lakes were inhabited only by Ischnura damula Calvert a...

Two new relict Syncordulia species found during museum and field studies of threatened dragonflies in the Cape Floristic Region (Odonata: Corduliidae)

Red List assessments often require the verification of records and taxonomy in museum collections and the field. Such research during an assessment of threatened dragonflies in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) biodiversity hotspot, led to the discovery of two new narrow-range endemic Syncordulia species, bringing the known total to four in the genus. The new species, Syncordulia legator and S. serendipator, are described with emphasis on their identification, ecology and biogeography. Morphological diversity within the genus and the absence of obvious close relatives suggest an ancient and isolated presence in the CFR, emphasizing the uniqueness and conservation importance of the region’s endemic odonate fauna.

Odonata of Yap, Western Caroline Islands, Micronesia

Fifteen species of Odonata are recorded from Yap, Micronesia—two Zygoptera and 13 Anisoptera. None is endemic to Yap. Hemicordulia lulico occurs elsewhere only in Palau, whereas most of the other species are widespread in the western Pacific and Indo-Australian regions. Macrodiplax cora and Tramea loewi, both recorded by Lieftinck in 1962, were the only species not encountered during this study; Tramea loewi remains known in Micronesia only from a single male collected in Yap by R. J. Goss in 1950. Six of the breeding species in Yap that are widespread in Indo-Australia occur no farther east in the Caroline Islands except possibly as unusual extralimital records in the cases of Agriocnemis femina and Neurothemis terminata; the four other species reaching only as far east as Yap are Anaciaeschna jaspidea, Agrionoptera insignis, Orthetrum serapia, and Rhyothemis phyllis. Orthetrum serapia is reported from Micronesia for the first time, although a very old single specimen record of O. sabina from Tobi Island may possibly pertain to O. serapia. The odonate fauna of the outer islands of Yap State is poorly known; only six species have been recorded from among four of the 15 island groups. In addition, Tramea transmarina euryale rather than T. t. propinqua was found to be the subspecies occurring in the Chuuk Islands, contrary to earlier publications.

Habitat associations of an Odonata community in a lower montane rainforest in Papua New Guinea

Abstract I sampled odonates in pristine lower montane rainforest in Papua New Guinea over several months, recording habitat characteristics for all encounters with adult odonates. Using ordination techniques such as cluster analysis and canonical correspondence analysis I then classified the odonate fauna into assemblages correlated with environmental factors. Within the 2.5 km2 study area I found 61 species and a very high ratio of Zygoptera vs Anisoptera. Cluster analysis identified seven distinct assemblages associated with permanent rivers and creeks, temporary streams, puddles, or permanent standing water. Shading, water speed and water permanence were important factors distinguishing the assemblages. Anisoptera were absent from three habitats in the forest interior with temporary water sources. Species associated with temporary water sources and other microhabitats in the forest interior are presumed to be reliant on the high and aseasonal rainfall and the humid conditions of the rainforest. These s...

Biodiversity of Larval Damselflies and Dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) in the Lower Mobile/Tensaw Delta, Alabama

Abstract Sixteen species of odonates, representing 9.2% of Alabama's odonate fauna, were collected from flowing waters 10–450 m wide in the poorly surveyed Mobile/Tensaw Delta of Baldwin County over a one-year period. The number of species was positively correlated with the number of specimens per site, with sites nearest Mobile Bay having fewer species, possibly reflecting higher salinities. Odonate assemblages in large flows of the Delta are unpredictable in terms of species co-occurrence, and fit a model of non-equilibrium community structure.

A Potential for the Use of Dragonfly (Odonata) Diversity as a Bioindicator of the Efficiency of Sewage Lagoons

In order to determine whether a relationship existed between water quality and odonate fauna in sewage ponds, data were gathered at each of six ponds of similar construction and equal size and depth in an adjacent series of improving water quality at a lagoon system near Embrun in eastern Ontario. Numbers of nymphs of different species of Odonata were recorded in spring and fall, and similar data was collected on adults in June and July. The data on species presence and abundance for each of three pairs of cells in the sequence was then compared with the corresponding chemical data which included biological oxygen demand, total phophorus, total nitrogen and suspended solids. Water quality improved through the system and species diversity in the final ponds was twice that of the ponds receiving wastewater. Numbers of individuals also increased through the system. Occurrence of Anax junius, Enallagma civile and Ischnura verticalis alone was associated with poorer water quality. Higher diversity including Lestes disjunctus, Leucorrhinia spp. and Erythemis simplicicollis, indicates higher water quality. A potential exists for Odonata species diversity, numbers of individuals and occurrence of particular species to be used as a bioindicator of water quality and a means of evaluating efficiency of a lagoon system. Advantages include data that reflects a time period rather than a point in time and also low costs.

Critical species of Odonata in Thailand and Indochina

Abstract The report provides a summary of our present knowledge of the odonate diversity (over 500 species) in the region and some general data on the habitat conservation in different countries. Thailand has the most diverse and best known odonate fauna, but knowledge of the Laotian and Vietnamese fauna has increased rapidly over the last 10 years. The conservation status of some species listed in the 1997 Action Plan is briefly discussed. No species are red-listed due to inadequate knowledge of their conservation status.

Odonata fauna of Sri Lanka: research state and threat status

Abstract Altogether 116 odonate species are known from Sri Lanka. The level of endemism is high -53 taxa or 45.7% are confined to the island. The Chlorocyphidae, Euphaeidae, Protoneuridae, Platystictidae, Gomphidae and Corduliidae consist of almost exclusively endemic taxa. The odonate fauna of Sri Lanka is still insufficiently known. Knowledge on distribution, biology and taxonomy of adults and especially larval forms is very poor. An assessment of threat status showed that it is very endangered due to habitat destruction. A list of 47 endangered odonate taxa has been compiled. It consists of exclusively endemic taxa and comprises more than 80% of described species confined to the island. Altogether 20 species are preliminary put in the IUCN categories ‘extinct’ (EX) and ‘critically endangered’ (CR) and are urgently proposed for inclusion in the IUCN Red List. Future odo-natological research priorities and recommendations are given. Special attention should be devoted to the work dealing with taxonomy of...

Critical species of Odonata in southern Africa

Abstract Of the 160 species in South Africa, 29 are endemic. Threats to the local odonate fauna have increased in recent years due to the growth of agriculture and impact of invasive alien trees. Currently, 13 species are red-listed as threatened. Among the activities to ameliorate threats, is a massive programme, ‘Working for Water’, to remove invasive alien plants. This has had an enormously beneficial effect on many of the threatened species.

Critical species of Odonata in Europe

Abstract The status of the odonate fauna of Europe is fairly well known, but the current IUCN Red List presents only six species out of ca 130, two of which are actually out of danger today. In this paper we propose a tentative list of 22 possibly declining or threatened species in the region. For the majority, reliable data of population size and possible decline is still lacking. Also 17 endemic species are listed, most occurring in the two centres of endemism in the area: the south-eastern (mountains and islands) and the western Mediterranean. These species should receive extra attention in future updates of the world Red List due to their limited distribution. The extreme variation in biomes and the human exploitation of habitats make conservation planning complicated in Europe. Within the EU, the FFH directive is a working tool aiding conservation. However, the species included do not fully correspond to those on the current Red List, nor to those discussed in this paper. We believe that future conse...

Critical species of Odonata in the Philippines

The Philippine odonate fauna is characterized by a high percentage of endemic species, especially in Zygoptera, most of which have a very limited range. Due to the continuing loss of forests and other habitat destruction, a majority of the 300 plus known species could be red-listed, but only a few critical species are evaluated here. Risiocnemis seidenschwarzi is added to the Red List. The need of further field surveys and taxonomic work is briefly emphasized and the present difficulties faced by field workers in the Philippines are discussed.

Critical species of Odonata in western Africa

Abstract Western Africa—defined as the tropical area from Cameroon westwards—probably has the richest odonate fauna in Africa, particularly the region of (and around) the Cameroon highlands. This region is home to many relict and endemic species, such as the continent's only representatives of the families Amphipterygidae and Perilestidae. Previous selections of threatened West African Odonata have been arbitrary because it is impossible to differentiate between species that are genuinely endangered and those which are simply data-deficient. Many listed species just appear to be difficult to record or have been taxonomically confused; some ‘endangered species’ have already dissolved into synonymy. A revised and probably more complete selection of species requiring attention is provided, but because the source data is so scanty it remains subjective. Species in Gomphidae and Corduliidae are not included, as the knowledge of their taxonomy and distribution is particularly problematic at present. Many listed...

The Butterflies of Pohnpei, Eastern Caroline Islands, Micronesia

Fourteen species of butterflies are recorded from Pohnpei, Micronesia, seven for the first time. None is endemic to the island; all are widely distributed in the western Pacific, including parts of Indo-Australia, with many extending into or beyond southeastern Asia. A long history of plant introductions and agricultural experimentation may have facilitated dispersal of butterflies to the island and provided a broad selection of host plants for those arriving otherwise unassisted. At least one, and possibly two or more, unidentified species apparently confined to deep forest habitats were seen but not collected during this study. Compared with the local odonate fauna, the butterflies of Pohnpei differ in reaching their greatest abundance and species diversity in the lowlands, in lacking endemic species, and probably in having a higher turnover rate.

The Odonata of Kosrae, Eastern Caroline Islands, Micronesia

A recent collection of 69 specimens together with survey counts and incidental observations during June–July 2002 provide new information on the odonate fauna of Kosrae, Micronesia. The fauna comprises one zygopteran (Ischnura aurora) and six anisopterans. It appears to have remained stable with no known extinctions or colonizations over the past half century. The fauna is nearly a subset of that of Pohnpei and the islands to the west, and it comprises six widespread weedy species and one endemic, Hemicordulia erico. Upland aquatic habitats appear largely unexploited or underutilized by odonates, and the absence of any Teinobasis species on Kosrae is in marked contrast to the presence of six species on the nearest high island, Pohnpei.

Effect of sports fisherman activities on dragonfly assemblages on a Hungarian river floodplain.

We studied the dragonfly fauna along a 15 km stretch of thefloodplain of the regulated, first-order river Tisza, Hungary. Data on capturedand observed adults, larvae and exuvia were recorded. Observations were madefrom May to October 1998 and 1999 on 34 species, which is 52% of theHungarian fauna. Classification on the basis of faunistic similarity revealedthat habitat-level differences, associated with various degrees of physicalanthropogenic impact on bank vegetation, can exceed variation among the waterbodies of different types (backwater, pond, marsh, canal, river). The richestsites were dominated by structurally diverse macrophyte vegetation, while flowing waters (river and canal) were poorest in species. Odonata were found tobe reliable indicators of small-scale habitat patterns, reflecting vegetationdifferences even within single water bodies where the sampling spots werearranged just a few hundred metres apart. Along a gradient of utilisationintensity, the species number of Odonata assemblages and the summed relativeabundance of the five rarest species of the study area decreased linearly withincreasing fragmentation of the marginal vegetation. Sports fishermanactivities, implying disruption of the littoral marsh zone by establishment ofclearings and excessive trampling of the banks, can also be monitored bydragonfly faunistic investigations. Our results demonstrate that conservation ofthese varied floodplain water bodies requires the control of sports fishingactivity, suggesting that (i) to maintain the representative odonate fauna ofthe water bodies, some non-fragmented shores must be provided; and (ii) permanentfishing stands should not exceed 8 m mean width and should beseparated by at least 12 m of intact riparian sections.

Interpreting dragonfly diversity to aid in conservation assessment : lessons from the Odonata assemblage at Middle Creek, north-eastern Victoria, Australia.

In order to evaluate single-occasion sampling in compiling inventories for Odonata, larvae were sampled on 20 occasions from 1987–1990 at a site on Middle Creek, north-eastern Victoria, and adults sought also on each visit to more fully evaluate the diversity of the asemblage, and limitations of depending on a single life stage for this purpose. A total of 18 species (7 Zygoptera, 11 Anisoptera) included 15 species collected as larvae and 16 as adults. Few species were common as larvae, and about half the 2806 specimens identified were Austrogomphus cornutus Watson. Orthetrum caledonicum (Brauer) and Ischnura heterosticta (Burmeister) were also abundant, and these three species were also the most common as adults. The number of species obtained ranged from 2–9 on different occasions, and represent different 'habitat groups' within the local fauna. The Middle Creek odonate fauna appears to be much richer than that of a nearby site on the Kiewa River (12 species), and reasons for this are discussed. Seasonal variation in species representation and relative abundances are noted. Any single sample occasion provided insufficient knowledge of the total assemblage to interpret odonate diversity reliably.