Volume 24, 2021
A tale of two Skimmers: complex relationships between DNA barcodes, distributions and taxonomy in European Orthetrum cancellatum and O. coerulescens
We explore the genetic diversity and phylogeography of the dragonflies Orthetrum cancellatum and O. coerulescens in Europe based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Orthetrum cancellatum has a clear division between a group comprising Maltese, Italian, and central and northern European populations…
Environmental impacts from human activities affect the diversity of the Odonata (Insecta) in the Eastern Amazon
Land use influences the biodiversity of stream systems by changing the chemical composition of the water and the physical structure of the habitat. The present study evaluated the influence of these processes on the diversity metrics of Odonata at regional and local scales, testing the hypothesis that the two odonate suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera will respond differently to habitat and landscape variables.
The life cycle of Orthemis ferruginea (Fabricius, 1775) (Odonata: Libellulidae)
The complete life cycle of O. ferruginea is described for the first time, represent the first complete life cycle described for an odonate in Mexico. The 17 larval instars obtained are described and illustrated in detail, from prolarva through F-0. Two egg batches of different females were obtained in the field and were subsequently reared in the laboratory.
Demographic Traits and Behavior of Hetaerina cruentata (Odonata: Calopterygidae) in Ecosystems of the Andean Region of Colombia
Demography and territorial behavior of Hetaerina cruentata was studied along three lowland streams located at Norte de Santander department in the Colombian Andean region. Adult damselflies (N: 278) were individually marked, and using their recapture histories we estimated survival, longevity, sex ratio, age groups and population size at each location.
Description of last instar larvae of Ceratogomphus triceraticus Balinsky, 1963 and C. pictus Hagen in Selys, 1854 (Odonata: Gomphidae)
The final instar larvae of the two species of the southern African gomphid genus Ceratogomphus, the South African endemic C. triceraticus and the more widespread C. pictus, are compared based on exuviae. Main differences are the shapes of the prementum and of the last abdominal segments, giving C. pictus a more slender and pointed appearance.
The importance of tropical mountain forests for the conservation of dragonfly biodiversity: A case from the Colombian Western Andes
Forests have been widely recognized as key habitats for odonate (dragonflies and damselflies) biodiversity, but the importance of forests for holding odonate biodiversity remains understudied in tropical mountains, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Here we describe the odonate assemblage composition along the elevation gradient in the Tatamá Mountains (Colombian Cordillera Occidental).
Isolation and characterization of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the rarest European damselfly, Coenagrion hylas (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Within Europe, the damselfly Coenagrion hylas has a very limited distribution and is regarded as a vulnerable species. For studying migration and population connectivity in the Central European populations, 10 microsatellite markers were developed for this species.
A scientometric analysis on pre- and post-copulatory traits in Odonata
In the last decades, studies on sexual selection in odonates have shown a relationship between mating success and costly sexual ornaments, mainly male characters. Here, we conducted a scientometric analysis to assess the state of art of studies on sexual selection in odonates, especially on the role of male ornamentation (pre-copulatory traits) and sperm competition (post-copulatory traits).
Odonata species diversity, distributions, and status in a rare sand prairie-savanna wetscape
Inland sand areas scattered across the North American eastern deciduous forest and western tallgrass prairie ecotone are known for supporting pyrogenic early-successional vegetation and specially adapted terrestrial faunas. Many of these globally and regionally rare systems contain functionally connected wetland networks (“wetscapes”) potentially important for aquatic insects.
Odonata (Insecta) communities along an elevational gradient in the Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil, with the description of the female of Heteragrion mantiqueirae Machado, 2006
Despite the important role of the order Odonata in ecosystems, there is a lack of information about dragonfly communities in several regions, high elevation sites, and environmentally protected areas in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Our objective was to assess the abundance and richness of dragonfly and damselfly communities along an elevational gradient in the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil.
Macromia weerakooni sp. nov. (Odonata: Anisoptera: Macromiidae), a new dragonfly species from Sri Lanka
The genus Macromia is represented in Sri Lanka by two endemic species. In this paper a third presumed endemic species is described based on a single male specimen collected at Kirikitta, Weliweriya, Western Province in the low country wet zone of the country. Macromia weerakooni sp. nov. differs from its congeners in Sri Lanka by having turquoise blue eyes, an entirely black labrum…
Useful biometric variables in Iberian exuviae of Boyeria irene (Fonscolombe, 1838) (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
In species of similar shape and size, biometric analyses make it possible to establish differences. Within one species, biometrics can help researchers to detect differences between populations and analyze their adaptations to environmental conditions. Until now little was known about the biometrics of the Iberian populations of Boyeria irene (Odonata: Aeshnidae), a large species living mainly in southern Europe.
Odonate ethodiversity as a bioindicator of anthropogenic impact
The increasing use of dragonflies and damselflies as models in studies on biodiversity in the last decades has unraveled several features of natural processes and mechanisms for species conservation. Nevertheless, biodiversity is a polysemic concept that resolves multiple dimensions that, together, enroll what we observe as species and lineages diversity. One of these dimensions is Ethodiversity, which may represent the individual diversity of behavioral traits and higher organization levels.
Description of the final instar larva of Cephalaeschna risi Asahina, 1981 with notes on its semi-terrestrial lifestyle (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
The final instar larva of Cephalaeschna risi Asahina, 1981 is described for the first time based on material from Taiwan. In Taiwan, the larva of C. risi can be separated from other aeshnid larvae by its relatively short antennae and presence of small protuberances on the legs.
Community assembly of adult odonates in lacustrine systems of an understudied world heritage site of south-eastern Zimbabwe
Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are efficacious for management and conservation efforts in freshwaters. In recent times, increased effort has gone into enhancing awareness, data and information on dragonflies among scientists and policymakers.
Environmental variables affect the diversity of adult damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera) in western Amazonia
Our study evaluated the effects of environmental variables on the assemblages of the suborder Zygoptera, and tested the hypothesis that environmental variables are more important determinants of the structure of these assemblages than limnological variables in streams. We sampled 17 streams in the Carajás National Forest and tested our hypothesis using a linear regression analysis, with the zygopteran species composition, richness, and abundance as the response variables.
Inpabasis intermedia, a new species of damselfly from Peru (Odonata: Coenagrionidae); with an illustrated key to all known Inpabasis-species
Inpabasis intermedia sp. n. (holotype ♂: Peru, Loreto Región) is described and illustrated. An illustrated key to both sexes is given for all members of the genus. Males of I. intermedia can be distinguished from its congeners by the angled division laterally between dark and light areas of the pterothorax…
Lost in Time: Re-description and Ecological Re-assessment of two Indian Endemic Elattoneura Cowley, 1935 (Platycnemididae) Damselflies
The Indian Elattoneura are a difficult group to identify due to their extreme morphological similarity and sparse information in identification keys and on geographical distribution. The ambiguity is prominent among two Peninsular Indian Elattoneura species, E. nigerrima (Laidlaw, 1917) and E. tetrica (Laidlaw, 1917), described a hundred years ago.
Partial submergence: An undescribed behavioral adjustment for thermoregulation at high ambient temperature in Aeshnidae
Many insects including odonates thermoregulate using a combination of behavioral and physiological mechanisms. At high ambient temperature (Ta), these mechanisms include decreased heat production and increased heat loss. Heat production can be reduced by decreasing activity. Heat loss can be enhanced by perching in a shaded microhabitat where temperature is cooler than in the surrounding environment.
Description of the final stadium larva of Calicnemia sinensis Lieftinck, with discussion of the larval characters of genus Calicnemia Strand (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae)
The final stadium larva of Calicnemia sinensis Lieftinck is described and illustrated in detail. It is characterized by (1) palpal lobe of prementum with two end hooks of unequal size, the inner longer and sharper, and the outer shorter and stouter; (2) inner side of palpal lobe with five long setae above…
Description of Coeliccia diehlae sp. n. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam with keys to the males and females of the pyriformis-group (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae)
Coeliccia diehlae sp. n. (holotype male from Ko Roong Commune, Ka Bang District, Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam, deposited in the Zoological Collection of Duy Tan University) is described based on both sexes. This species belongs to the pyriformis-group and comes closest to…
Forest edges and their effects on the arrival of dragonflies at north-temperate experimental ponds
The matrix, an environment in the landscape that individuals move through but do not reside in, can affect species dispersal and the arrival of individuals at habitat patches. Elements around this matrix that provide refuge or resources may shape the arrival of animals at habitat patches, even when those patches are equivalent in quality. Adult dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) frequently use open terrestrial environments during movement and dispersal in north-temperate regions…
Growth, winter preparations and timing of emergence in temperate zone Odonata: control by a succession of larval response patterns
As warm-adapted insects of tropical origin, Odonata cope with cold periods by seasonal regulation and diapause. A model for larval-overwintering species is proposed with three response patterns related to the timing of emergence, which can be predicted from seasonal cues during the last few stadia. For emergence during the present season, there is an often time constrained pre-emergence development, accelerated by long days and higher temperatures.
