The larva of the genus Nesolestes is described and figured for the first time. Specimens were found in small brooklets in littoral swamp forest in south-eastern Madagascar. The larva is compared with the two other Madagascan genera of Megapodagrionidae, Protolestes and Tatocnemis, and diagnostic characters are given. The caudal lamellae are held in a horizontal…
Madagascar has approximately 175 species of Odonata. Of the Anisoptera ca 60% is endemic and of the Zygoptera almost 95%. The endemic species can roughly be separated into ‘new endemics’ that are probably recent arrivals from the African mainland and ‘old endemics’. The latter group includes many members of the families Megapodagrionidae, Platycnemididae and Corduliidae,…
Brachythemis leucosticta was found to include two morphotypes, which we consider to represent separate species. Males are separable by the ventral structure of S8 and often differ in the colour of the venation and genital lobe. Females are as yet not reliably distinguishable. Examination of 1,154 males demonstrated that both species are widespread: the true…
For the Odonata species known from islands in the western Indian Ocean – excluding Madagascar – comments on 33 species of conservation concern are given.
In almost every culture dragonflies and damselflies feature in myth, folklore, art and literature. They have inspired, revolted and been made use of by Man, from prehistoric times to the present day.