Volume 7, 2004
Information for Authors
Larval habitat associations of Progomphus obscurus at two spatial scales (Odonata: Gomphidae)
Progomphus obscurus is one of the most abundant dragonflies in South Carolina, USA. We collected dragonfly larvae from 127 sites in the Enoree River and nine of its tributaries, and correlated the abundance of P. obscurus larvae with physical and chemical characteristics of these streams. As expected for this burrowing species, larval abundance varied among…
Cross-species amplification of microsatellite loci in some European zygopteran species (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Microsatellites have been infrequently used for genetic analysis of odonate species. Here, we report four microsatellite loci that are polymorphic in Coenagrion mercuriale. Furthermore, we examine the success of cross-species amplification of a panel of 19 microsatellite loci that were developed from C. mercuriale in seven other European odonate species. PCR with microsatellite primers is…
Acanthagrion aepiolum sp. nov. from South America (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
The new species – holotype ♂, Bolivia, Department of Santa Cruz, Ñuflo de Chavez Prov., stream 11.8 km E of San Javier (16°17′S, 62°37′W), 16 November 1998, leg. K.J. Tennessen; deposited in El Museo de Historia Natural “Noel Kempff Mercado”, Santa Cruz, Bolivia – has been confused with Acanthagrion ascendens. Abdominal segment 10 in males…
Nesciothemis farinosa: description of the final stadium larva (Odonata: Libellulidae)
A written description and illustrations of the final stadium larva of Nesciothemis farinosa are presented, based on larvae and exuviae collected in Namibia. The larvae were reared in the laboratory until emergence. Additionally, information on larval microhabitat, behaviour and development is provided.
Diel pattern of activity, mating, and flight behaviour in Onychogomphus uncatus (Odonata: Gomphidae)
The behaviour of Onychogomphus uncatus, including flight and mating activity, was studied at a fast-flowing irrigation canal. During the day, males perched in sections of the canal with a strong current and a turbulent water surface. During short flights, interactions with other con-specific and hetero-specific males occurred, particularly with Orthetrum coerulescens. Under conditions of high…
Oviposition behavior and substrate utilization by Lestes congener (Odonata: Lestidae)
Here we describe tandem oviposition (contact guarding) in Lestes congener and the use of dry stems of the sedge Eleocharis obtusa as oviposition substrates at a pond in New York State. Pairs formed away from the pond, then flew to Eleocharis patches on dry land 0.5–3 m from the water’s edge. Some copulations occurred at…
The species-group taxa in the Holarctic genus Cordulia: a study in nomenclature and genetic differentiation (Odonata: Corduliidae)
Two Cordulia species have been described so far, the Eurasian C. aenea and the North American vicariant C. shurtleffii. The names amurensis, tatrica, turfosa, laubmanni, linaenea and aeneaturfosa are available in the synonymy of C. aenea. Out of these, only the name amurensis is deemed to denote a separate taxon, which is currently regarded as…
Underwater and epilithic oviposition by Australian Aeshnidae (Odonata)
In this article we report underwater oviposition and epilithic oviposition in Anisoptera. We observed Notoaeschna sagittata totally submerged ovipositing on bare rock in the fast current of a rapid. Dendroaeschna conspersa oviposited also underwater, but into wood submerged in very clear water.
Ballistic defaecation by anisopteran larvae (Odonata): a way to increase foraging success?
The article considers the phenomenon of ballistic defaecation by odonate larvae, exhibited by certain Anisoptera but not by any Zygoptera, and explores two possibilities: (1) that ballistic defaecation in Anisoptera may correlate with increased foraging success (the ‘Wudkevich Hypothesis’) by distancing the prey’s alarm pheromone, persisting in the pellet after defaecation, from the larva’s ambush…
Stylogomphus sigmastylus sp. nov., a new North American dragonfly previously confused with S. albistylus (Odonata: Gomphidae)
Previously, the genus Stylogomphus in North America was believed to contain only a single species, S. albistylus. We present evidence for recognizing a second species, S. sigmastylus sp. nov.: holotype ♂, allotype ♀: Big Swan Creek, near Gordonsburg Church of Christ, Lewis County, Tennessee, 11 June 1990, C. Cook leg., deposited in the Florida State…
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL Reinhard Jödickea International Journal of Odonatology International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 7, Issue 1, Pages 1-2, 2004https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2004.9748189Published: 1 April 2004 Full text PDF Copyright information Issue section: Editorial
Editorial Board (2004–2006)
Volume 7, Issue 1
Volume 7, Issue 2 - IUCN Regional Reports
Information for Authors
Photographs of some rare and threatened species
Critical species of Odonata in China
The state of knowledge of China’s Odonata is very much incomplete with many species awaiting description, especially from tropical and subtropical areas. A brief account is given of new odonate species described from China, including Taiwan, between 2000 and 2003. Information on identification guides, faunal lists and current studies, is provided. Species of Odonata, categorised…
Critical species of Odonata in the Levant
Of the 86 Odonata species so far recorded for the Levant, four are considered as endangered (Calopteryx hyalina, C. syriaca, Ceriagrion georgifreyi, Pseudagrion torridum hulae), six as vulnerable (Coenagrion vanbrinckae, P. sublacteum mortoni, Gomphus kinzelbacbi, Onychogomphus macrodon, Brachythemis fuscopalliata, Crocotbemis sanguinolenta), and two as extinct (Rhyothemis semihyalina syriaca, Urothemis edwardsi hulae). The history of odonatological…
Critical species of Odonata in Europe
The status of the odonate fauna of Europe is fairly well known, but the current IUCN Red List presents only six species out of ca 130, two of which are actually out of danger today. In this paper we propose a tentative list of 22 possibly declining or threatened species in the region. For the…
Critical species of Odonata in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei
Malaysia, Brunei and the Indonesian archipelago comprise a total land area of ca 1.84 million km2 including ca 13,000 islands, lying entirely within the tropics. The region is bisected by Wallace’s line and supports a rich Oriental fauna to the west (Sundaland) and mainly Australian elements to the east. Taxonomic studies throughout the region were…
Critical species of Odonata in the Asian part of the former USSR and the Republic of Mongolia
The region covered is briefly defined and characterized as relatively little disturbed. A survey of relevant odonatological literature, including local Red Lists, is given, along with current scientific activity. Sixteen species are indicated, which deserve special attention, one of them, Ischnura aralensis, being the only strict endemic in the region. Some isolated populations deserving protection…
Critical species of Odonata in Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus
An overview is given of the present knowledge and current research on the Odonata fauna of Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus. The occurrence of endemic taxa and of rare and possibly threatened species is discussed. The use of water from various aquatic habitats is reviewed in order to gain insight in existing and potential problems,…
Critical species of Odonata in Japan
Japan is a small country but ranges from the subtropical to the subarctic zone. Every year during spring to autumn, many typhoons bring tropical taxa, which occasionally establish in Japan. Up to now, 215 odonate taxa have been recorded, 34 of which are regarded as critical species. Intensive research on Odonata – supported by identification…
Critical species of Odonata in the Philippines
The Philippine odonate fauna is characterized by a high percentage of endemic species, especially in Zygoptera, most of which have a very limited range. Due to the continuing loss of forests and other habitat destruction, a majority of the 300 plus known species could be red-listed, but only a few critical species are evaluated here.
Critical species of Odonata in Thailand and Indochina
The report provides a summary of our present knowledge of the odonate diversity (over 500 species) in the region and some general data on the habitat conservation in different countries. Thailand has the most diverse and best known odonate fauna, but knowledge of the Laotian and Vietnamese fauna has increased rapidly over the last 10…
Odonata fauna of Sri Lanka: research state and threat status
Altogether 116 odonate species are known from Sri Lanka. The level of endemism is high -53 taxa or 45.7% are confined to the island. The Chlorocyphidae, Euphaeidae, Protoneuridae, Platystictidae, Gomphidae and Corduliidae consist of almost exclusively endemic taxa. The odonate fauna of Sri Lanka is still insufficiently known. Knowledge on distribution, biology and taxonomy of…
Critical species of Odonata in southwestern Africa
In this report we review the conservation status of Odonata of southwestern Africa, viz Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In total, 287 species have been recorded of which three have been previously listed by IUCN. We consider 60 species mainly because of their endemism in the region. The majority of the species have to…
Critical species of Odonata in southern Africa
Of the 160 species in South Africa, 29 are endemic. Threats to the local odonate fauna have increased in recent years due to the growth of agriculture and impact of invasive alien trees. Currently, 13 species are red-listed as threatened. Among the activities to ameliorate threats, is a massive programme, ‘Working for Water’, to remove…
Critical species of Odonata in northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
The region is broadly determined by desert, which forms a huge belt between the western Palaearctic and the Afrotropics. Fourteen out of the 125 odonate species recorded so far are endemics. There are two main centres of endemism in the region: the northern Maghreb and the southern Arabian Peninsula. Odonate habitats in the desert are…
Critical species of Odonata in western Africa
Western Africa—defined as the tropical area from Cameroon westwards—probably has the richest odonate fauna in Africa, particularly the region of (and around) the Cameroon highlands. This region is home to many relict and endemic species, such as the continent’s only representatives of the families Amphipterygidae and Perilestidae. Previous selections of threatened West African Odonata have…
Critical species of Odonata in Madagascar
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,…
Critical species of Odonata in the Comoros, Seychelles, Mascarenes and other small western Indian Ocean islands
For the Odonata species known from islands in the western Indian Ocean – excluding Madagascar – comments on 33 species of conservation concern are given.
Critical species of Odonata in eastern Africa
From eastern Africa, ranging from Somalia and Ethiopia south to Mozambique and Zimbabwe and west to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana, ca 500 species of Odonata are known. Comments on species and sites of conservation concern are given as well as recommendations for future research and conservation activities. Due to the rapid and…
Critical species of Odonata in the Neotropics
This report summarizes progress that has been made during the past five years toward the understanding of Neotropical Odonata. It also presents a list of critical species and sites, threats to Odonata conservation in the region, and priorities for further research. This region, the richest in the world for Odonata, must be a focus of…
Critical species of Odonata in North America
Of the approximately 439 species of Odonata known from North America, north of Mexico, comments on 25 species (6%) of conservation concern are given. Species deemed to be under the most threat are Ischnura gemina, Gomphus sandrius, Ophiogompbus australis, Stylurus potulentus, and Libellula jesseana. Two other species not under threat, Neurocordulia micbaeli and Somatochlora brevicincta,…
Conservation of Odonata in the South Pacific and Australasia
The conservation status of Odonata in the South Pacific Region and in Australasia is reviewed. Australian and New Zealand faunas have recently been monographed, for the rest of the region lack of data is the major handicap to concrete planning. The taxonomic status of the different island faunas and the state of habitat modification on…
Critical species of Odonata in the Hawaiian Islands
Ten species of Hawaiian Odonata are considered to be currently at risk, all of them zygopterans belonging to the endemic genus Megalagrion. These species and their proposed status are as follows: M. jugorum, endemic to Maui and Lanai [CR, possibly EX]; M. leptodemas, endemic to Oahu [CR]; M. molokaiense, endemic to Molokai [CE, possibly EX];…
Critical species of Odonata in Australia
The Australian Odonata fauna is reviewed. The state of the current taxonomy and ecology, studies on biodiversity, studies on larvae and the all identification keys are reported. The conservation status of the Australian odonates is evaluated and the endangered species identified. In addition the endemic species, species with unusual biology and species, not threatened yet,…
Global protection of Odonata and their habitats
Guardians of the watershed
Guardians of the watershed. Global status of dragonflies: critical species, threat and conservation
Volume 7, Issue 3
Information for Authors
Competitive interactions affect perch-height preferences of three Odonata taxa (Coenagrionidae, Libellulidae)
Co-occurring odonate species often perch at different heights. We studied the effects of interspecific and intraspecific interactions on perch-height selection by Perithemis tenera, Pachydiplax longipennis, and Enallagma spp. by creating artificial perch stations and comparing perch selection when species perched alone or together. We also compared the frequency of perch-height use in the presence or…
Genetic identity of Japanese Sympetrum frequens and Korean S. depressiusculum inferred from mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences (Odonata: Libellulidae)
The Japanese endemic Sympetrum frequens is considered as the insular vicariant of S. depressiusculum, widely distributed in the Eurasian Continent. In Korea, morphologically intermediate specimens have been collected, mixed with typical S. depressiusculum. The taxonomical status of these two species is thus questionable. To clarify their status, sequencing of mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was…
Why do some zygopterans (Odonata) perch with open wings?
Zygoptera show two perching modes, one with wings closed and one with wings open. These perching modes are distributed unequally through the suborder; most Zygoptera perch with closed wings, but species in 43 genera of eight families at least occasionally – in most cases usually – perch with open wings. Alternative hypotheses to explain this…
Territorial behaviour associated with feeding in both sexes of the tropical zygopteran, Libellago hyalina (Odonata: Chlorocyphidae)
Territorial behaviour associated with adult odonate feeding in a Bornean rain forest under-storey is described and its underlying causes are analysed. Immature males and females of all ages of Libellago hyalina defended perches along a narrow trail in kerangas forest, concentrating especially around patches of sunlight. Throughout the day there was displacement of individuals as…
Mistakes in sexual recognition among sympatric Zygoptera vary with time of day and color morphism (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
In odonates, female specific color polymorphisms appear to be an evolutionary response to sexual harassment, but we know little about the decision rules males use when searching for variable females. For two sympatric species of Enallagma, we measured male responses to live female variants under field conditions, early and later in the day. In the…
Orthemis sibylla, a junior synonym of O. ambirufa (Odonata: Libellulidae)
Orthemis sibylla is shown to be a junior synonym of O. ambirufa, based on a comparison of the holotype male of O. ambirufa with voucher specimens in the UMMZ identified as O. sibylla by Ris and specimens of this species from French Guiana and Venezuela in the RWG collection. Diagnostic characters of the male holotype…
Idomacromia jillianae sp. nov. from Uganda (Odonata: Corduliidae)
Idomacromia jillianae sp. nov. (holotype ♀: Uganda, Kabale District, Ruhija, 1°02′59″S, 29°45′29″E, 2,100 m a.s.l., 24 v 2003) is described on the basis of two females from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, and compared with the known species of this elusive genus.
Heteragrion makiritare sp. nov with descriptions of hitherto unknown females and larvae of other species from Venezuela (Odonata: Megapodagrionidae, Lestidae)
Heteragrion makiritare sp. nov. is described from two males from the Pantepui region – holotype: Venezuela, Amazonas State, Marahuaka, Sima (3°43′N, 65°31′W), 1,140 m a.s.l., MIZA, no. 17250. It belongs in the species group whose paraprocts are absent in the male sex. The identity of H. macilentum is elucidated by examining its lectotype and a…
Description of the female of Somatochlora borisi with distributional notes on the species (Odonata: Corduliidae)
The morphology of the hitherto unknown female of Somatochlora borisi is described and illustrated basing upon eight adults from Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. A key is provided which allows the determination of the females of all West Palaearctic Cordulia and Somatochlora spp. A list of the presently known localities and a distribution map show the…
