Variation in fluctuating asymmetry among nine damselfly species

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), measured as random deviations from bilateral symmetry, likely results from developmental disturbances by internal or environmental stresses. However, comparisons of FA in single damselfly species (Odonata: suborder Zygoptera) from stressed environments have often been inconclusive. We measured levels of FA among multiple species of damselflies from the same environment to determine the…

Generic revision of Argiolestidae (Odonata), with four new genera

The subfamily Argiolestinae is raised to family level to include all zygopteran genera in which the gills of the larvae are flat and held in a horizontal plane. A diagnosis of the family is given and characters for both adults and larvae are presented. The family is divided into two subfamilies based on characters in…

Sexual size dimorphism, mating system and seasonality of a Neotropical damselfly, Telebasis carmesina (Coenagrionidae)

Our understanding of mating systems is highly skewed toward temperate examples. This study investigated the mating system, sexual size dimorphism and seasonal variation in local distribution and abundance of male and female Telebasis carmesina, a common damselfly in Brazilian tropical savanna. In a natural reserve, daily census and behavioral observations were made throughout 1 year…

Archineura incarnata (Karsch, 1892) and Atrocalopteryx melli (Ris, 1912) in southern China (Odonata: Calopterygidae)

The calopterygines Archineura incarnata and Atrocalopteryx melli are subtropical habitat specialists, endemic to China, and sensitive to environmental change. We identified several sites with environmental deterioration from which the species seem to have disappeared; these species can be used as indicators of human disturbance. In this paper their distribution in China is mapped and information…

The levis group of Orthemis revisited: a synopsis including a synonymy and description of six new species of Orthemis from South America (Odonata: Libellulidae)

The levis and ferruginea groups of Orthemis are redefined. Six new species of Orthemis are described: O. aciculata sp. nov. (♂ holotype: Surinam, Para Dist., road near forest, Zanderij I (5°32′ N, 55°10′ W), 17 January 1957, leg. J. Belle [RMNH]), O. celata sp. nov. (♂ holotype: Brazil, Pará State, Rio Gurupí, Canindé (0°30′57′ ′…

Macromidia donaldi pethiyagodai subsp. nov. from Sri Lanka (Odonata: Corduliidae)

Macromidia donaldi pethiyagodai subsp. nov. (holotype ♂: Sri Lanka, Ratnapura District, near Kudawe, 6.26°N, 80.25°E, 03 July 2007; paratype ♀, same location, 17 April 2008, to be deposited in the Sri Lanka National Museum, Colombo) is described and figured. Its phenotype differs from that of M. d. donaldi from India. This is the first record…

Larvae of Epipleoneura manauensis Santos and Roppaneura beckeri Santos with a key to the genera of known Neotropical Protoneuridae larvae (Odonata: Zygoptera)

The larva of Epipleoneura manauensis is described and illustrated based on last-stadium larvae and exuviae of reared larvae collected in a black-water stream in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. The larva of Roppaneura beckeri is described and illustrated based on exuviae of reared larvae collected from the water accumulated in the axils (phytotelmata) of Eryngium floribundum…