Seasonal ecology of Algerian Lestidae (Odonata)

Boudjéma Samraouia

  1. Laboratoire de Recherche des Zones Humides , University of Guelma, Algeria. Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA

International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 12, Issue 2, Pages 383-394, 2009
https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2009.9748352
Published: 1 October 2009 (Received: 28 February 2009, Accepted: 26 August 2009)

Abstract

When comparing the phenology of species within the family Lestidae in Numidia, northeastern Algeria, we found that: (1) four of five species—Lestes barbarus, L. numidicus, L. viridis, and Sympecma fusca—feature a prolonged pre-reproductive period approaching five (Lestes spp.) or eight months (S. fusca); (2) adults of L. numidicus, and probably of S. fusca, move to upland refuge sites in summer, whereas those of L. barbarus and L. viridis aestivate in alder carrs in lowlands close to reproductive sites; and (3) adults of all five species exhibit distinct spatial and/or temporal segregation.

Keywords: Odonata, dragonfly, aestivation, life history, seasonal ecology, phenology, wetlands, Numidia, Algeria

Issue section: Article