We examined the diversity and potential drivers of dragonfly distribution in a biodiversity hotspot of Southern Africa (Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe) by surveying 30 sites (13 lentic and 17 lotic habitats) located within this region. Additionally, we identified the anthropogenic factors that may threaten Odonata diversity and abundance. Our results revealed that 27 odonate species are…
Redescription of Ceriagrion mourae with notes on its position in the genus Ceriagrion (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
The poorly known Ceriagrion mourae is redescribed based on the first material from Zambia and compared with the similar C. banditum, C. junceum and C. suave. Molecular data place C. mourae as a sister taxon to the clade (C. bakeri (C. banditum, C. junceum)). Genetic distances between the above-mentioned species are similar at c.7–9% (K2P)….
Genetic consequences of range expansions along several fronts in Crocothemis erythraea
Global warming has altered the ranges of many species, especially those of insects and other ectotherms that are particularly susceptible to rising temperatures. Four decades ago, the dragonfly Crocothemis erythraea began to demonstrate northern range expansion in Germany, as well as in Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and the UK. The rapid range expansion of C….
Two dragonfly species (Insecta: Odonata) migrating at Dakhla (region of Oued Ad-Dahab Lagouira, Morocco)
Large numbers of migrating imagos of Anax ephippiger were observed from the end of January to March 2012 at Dakhla Bay, Southern Morocco, in an area where long-lasting fresh and brackish waters are lacking, and thus which is unfavourable for the reproduction of Odonata. This supports well the classical scheme of northward mass migration of…
Rediscovery of Amanipodagrion gilliesi, with notes on habitat, behaviour and conservation (Odonata: Megapodagrionidae)
Amanipodagrion gilliesi was known previously only from four males collected in 1959 and 1962 in the Usambara Mountains, south-east Tanzania. Recently it has been rediscovered at two shady streams in that area. The species is not living in swamps, as previously stated, but is apparently restricted to a small area in the Amani-Sigi Forest. Data…
The Odonata of Numidia, Northeaster Algeria Part II Seasonal ecology
This paper, a companion to Part I which treated status and distribution of Numidian Odonata, summarizes current knowledge of their seasonal ecology and identifies areas where promising research avenues exist. Annual patterns of adult occurrence and reproductive activity are used to infer life cycles, with particular reference to strategies that enable species to bridge the…