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Simple Summary: Basic information on the ecology and behaviour of many aquatic insects is lacking because of the absence of studies. Here, we investigated whether demographic aspects such as survival, sex ratio, and population size are different between sexes and individuals of different ages of Teinopodagrion oscillans, a damselfly species endemic to the Andean region, living in a protected area. We also recorded the behaviour of this species and the area frequented by the adults near the water. Survival, recapture, and lifespan (14.1 ± 0.59 days) were similar for both sexes and all age groups. Mature males were larger, while the distance from the water where animals perched was similar for all individuals. Weather variations affected the demography of this population in a significant way. Individuals perch on any available support (≤0.1–12 m high) and show high fidelity to their perch site, with mature males making short flights from the perch to intercept other individuals and to hunt prey. The tandem position was formed on macrophytes, and females lay eggs by submersion of their abdomen. Our results provide crucial information for short- and long-term conservation decisions of the biodiversity in ecosystems of the Andean region. The demography and behaviour of Teinopodagrion oscillans was studied in a protected area in the Andean region of Colombia. Adult damselflies were individually marked, and using their recapture histories, we estimated survival, longevity, sex ratio, and population size using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models. Other aspects of their behaviour were recorded. Survival, recapture, and lifespan (14.1 ± 0.59 days) were similar for both sexes and all age groups. Mature males were larger, and the distance from the water was similar for all individuals. The most supported model was the time-dependent model for survival and recapture. This suggests that weather variations affect the demography of this population in a significant way. Individuals exhibited high fidelity to their site perch, perching with open wings near water on a variety of perches. Mature males make short flights from the perch to intercept conspecific and interspecific males and to hunt prey. The tandem position was formed on macrophytes, and then the pair flew away. Oviposition lasted for 11.23 min on average, with the females ovipositing by abdomen submersion. Our results offer insights into the demographic characteristics and behaviour of this species, providing crucial information for the short- and long-term, from the demography of one species to the conservation of ecosystems of the Andean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report ten new records of Odonata, including the true distribution of Acanthagrion yungarum Ris, 1918 in Colombia. The genus Dolonagrion Garrison & von Ellenrieder, 2008 is reported for the first time in the country with notes of its habitat. The other eight new records are A. amazonicum Sjöstedt, 1918, A. phallicorne Leonard, 1977, A. truncatum Selys, 1876, Mesoleptobasis cantralli Santos, 1961, Metaleptobasis lillianae Daigle, 2004, Neoneura denticulata Williamson, 1917, Neuraeschna maya Belle, 1989, and Protoneura klugi Cowley, 1941. A map of localities and photographs of the species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Odonate larvae play an important role in macroinvertebrate trophic networks and are excellent indicators of wetland quality. However, despite their ecological importance, research on odonates and how they interact with their environment is scarce. This study aims to assess macroinvertebrate composition as a determinant of larval abundance in Miathyria marcella (Odonata: Anizoptera: Libellulidae). METHODS: In total, 29 samples were collected from six wetlands with different types of hydrological influence using standardized invertebrate sampling techniques in Atlántico, a department located in northern Colombia. Standardized invertebrate sampling techniques were used at 29 sampling points. Obtained data were used to analyze invertebrate abundance and a non-parametric multidimensional scaling analysis was applied. In addition, a correlation analysis was conducted between macroinvertebrate composition and Miathyria marcella larval abundance. FINDINGS: A total of 2586 larvae and 12925 individual macroinvertebrates were collected, distributed across 25 orders and 58 families. The most abundant orders were Neotaenioglossa (26 percent), Odonata (15 percent) Calanoida (10 percent) and Diptera (8 percent). Heatmap and scaling analysis indicated different macroinvertebrate compositions in the sampled wetlands. It was found a high positive correlation between Miathyria marcella and the orders Odonata (R2 = 0.84, p-value = 0.05), Coleoptera (R2 = 0.52, p-value = 0.05), Basommatophora (R2 = 0.60, p-value = 0.05), and Hemiptera (R2 = 0.50, p-value = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the abundance of Miathyria marcella responds to the accompanying macroinvertebrates, the composition of which depends on the type of hydrological influence. Assessment approaches that focus on the relationships between macroinvertebrate taxa are important conservation tools for biodiversity assessment. Results from this study will serve as a baseline to propose monitoring and follow-up strategies for environmental sustainability in wetlands in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics regulating the distribution and abundance of M. marcella larvae in six wetlands in the northern Colombia. Standardized techniques for collecting invertebrate and physicochemical data were used in 29 sampling points in an intraannual period. Mean pH and temperature oscillated in narrow ranges within wetlands (7.7 ± 0.09–8.6 ± 0.07; 28.1 ± 0.29–32.8 ± 0.17 °C, respectively), whereas ammonium concentrations and conductivity exhibited a wide variation (0.2 ± 0.03–2.8 ± 0.54 mg NH4 L−1; 861 ± 30.7–19254 ± 1706 µS cm−1, respectively). A total of 2586 individual M. marcella larvae were collected. Abundance was greater in wetlands influenced by the Magdalena River, with 19.4 ± 1.7 and 9.3 ± 1.4 individuals; followed by wetlands hydrologically influenced by seasonal runoff, with 8.1 ± 0.4 and 6.4 ± 0.4 individuals; and lowest in wetlands with influence of the Caribbean Sea, with 3.9 ± 0.3 and 0.3 ± 0.1 individuals. Abundances of M. marcella larvae exhibited similar variations at different months during the sampling period. Abundance and distribution of M. marcella larvae in wetlands of northern Colombia is strongly dependent on water conductivity, transparency and alkalinity. This study evidence that Odonata larvae are a valuable tool as bioindicators for wetland assessment and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical mountains display limited variation in monthly temperatures, but high spatial climatic variability. It is assumed this stability promotes ecological and physiological adaptations to local temperatures, which may preclude dispersal up or downslope. Determining how environmental, taxonomic and morphological factors affect thermal limits is fundamental to understand biotic responses to global warming.We selected 54 species of dragonflies and damselflies (Order Odonata) distributed from 300 to 2,550 m along one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Tatamá elevational gradient in the Andean‐Choco region transition. We estimated for 846 individuals three thermal tolerance parameters: CTmax, the highest temperature preceding the loss of motor control, Tvol, the temperature at which individuals avoid heat, and CTmin, the minimum temperature required for wing movement.For each thermal tolerance parameter, we evaluated associations between physiological and behavioural responses, species elevational distribution and specialization to forests or open areas. We also evaluated the effect of autecological characteristics such as body mass, sex and taxonomy on temperature regulation.Temperatures prevalent at different elevations and habitats are associated with odonate upper thermal limits. However, tolerance to low temperatures is not associated with habitat use or elevation. Forest species display lower thermal tolerances. Small species are more tolerant to high temperatures than larger species. Dragonflies are more tolerant to high temperatures than damselflies with similar body mass. Females are more tolerant to high temperatures than males.Our results highlight the importance of considering differences in morphology, life history and behaviour when comparing thermal tolerances of organisms along elevational gradients. Only by incorporating such factors, it would be possible to generate accurate predictions on the impact of climate change on tropical organisms. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We record for the first time Acanthagrion jessei, Nehalennia minuta, and Perilestes solutus in Colombia, based on males and females taken at the campus Barcelona at the Universidad de Los Llanos, located in the foothills of the Colombian Eastern Andes in the Orinoco river basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the damselfly genus Archaeopodagrion, A. recurvatum sp. nov. and A. mayi sp. nov., are described from the confluence of the Tropical Andes and the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspots. Adults differ from the other known species in the shape of female posterior lobe of pronotum and male structures of cerci and paraprocts; the larva differs from other Archaeopodagrion species in the caudal lamellae structure and in the mandibular formula. The two new species are diagnosed, a morphological key to all known males and females in the genus is provided, and geographical distributions are updated. Finally, observations on habitat preferences for each newly described species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. We found no evidence for survival differences between ages and sexes. However, the proportion of resighted individuals was lower for females, and the sex ratio was male-biased in all populations. Although we recorded few reproductive events, a high number of male-male agonistic interactions were registered around midday. During reproductive behavior, we observed brief wing displays as signals between males and females, and the formation of the tandem position, followed by the intra-male sperm translocation and copulation (mean duration 11.3 min). After copulation, the pair in tandem looked for suitable sites to oviposit, and then the male broke tandem and perched on the vegetation while the female laid eggs partially or completely underwater. The recapture probability was time-dependent, which suggests that the alternation of rainy and sunny days during the study may be generating differences in the demography of the three H. cruentata populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Científico Centro de Museos de Historia Natural is the property of Universidad de Caldas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bioindication is a method to assess environmental conditions using indicator organisms. In Colombia, water quality evaluation is mostly performed following the Biological Monitoring Working Party/Colombia method (BMWP/Col), which uses aquatic macroinvertebrates at the taxonomic family level. Studies on potential bioindicators are important to produce comprehensive information on the requirements of macroinvertebrates and their value for water quality bioindication. We studied the larval ecology of several common genera of Odonata from Colombian freshwater ecosystems and assigned an indicator value to each genus. The physical and chemical water characteristics of 1,022 sites surveyed in Colombia from 2005 to 2016 were analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA). The relationship between environmental conditions and Odonata genera found was studied using multiple logistic regressions between sample coordinates of the first three axes of the PCA and occurrence of the respective genus. We assigned an indicator value for each genus using the logistic regression and the water quality of samples. The highest indicator values were assigned to genera, which were mainly explained by the PCA axis associated with water quality, showed a high odds ratio to this axis, and were found in ecosystems with excellent water quality. The indicator values suggested for each taxon are, Brechmorhoga Kirby, 1894, 8; Macrothemis Hagen, 1868, 4; Micrathyria Kirby, 1889, 4 (Libellulidae); Progomphus Selys, 1854, 7 (Gomphidae); Acanthagrion Selys, 1876, 4; and Argia Rambur, 1842, 7 (Coenagrionidae). Differences in water quality preferences in genera of the same family suggest that higher taxonomic resolution may allow more detailed environmental assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragmentation of aquatic and riparian environments has damaged diversity into ecosystems. These injuries are pronounced in areas as tropical dry forests in Colombia, which are endangered zones that could be disappear in few years. In this situation, diversity and composition in Odonata insects, which are influenced by abiotic factors, could be excellent tools for understanding environmental status. Thus, we aim to observe changes in Odonata diversity and composition in different riparian vegetation during a year, along a stream from a remnant of dry forest. At the same time, we hypothesize that there are differences in Odonata diversity and composition. To take this, we sampled Odonata, larvae and adults, and environmental variables in four sampling stations, with different riparian vegetation during a year. We collected a total of 272 specimens corresponding to 16 species. In one hand, we noted variations in Odonata composition, showed in species records and similarity index. In other hand, we do not observe differences in Odonata diversity. Lastly, we approve in part our hypothesis exposing only Odonata composition changes with riparian vegetation, during sampling year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Científico Centro de Museos de Historia Natural is the property of Universidad de Caldas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cosmopolitan family Lestidae Calvert, 1901 has two widely distributed genera in the Americas: Archilestes Selys, 1862, and Lestes Leach, 1815. In Colombia, this family is represented by 11 species. In this study, we present a diagnosis of Lestidae species in Colombia based on a thorough review of the countrys main entomological collections. A total of 258 specimens representing ten species were examined. The species L. dichrostigma Calvert, 1909, is recorded for the first time. The presence of L. henshawi Calvert, 1907 is excluded, and the taxonomic status of L. sternalis (Navs, 1930) is discussed. Finally, we present distribution maps, photographs of Lestidae species, taxonomical important structures, and taxonomic keys for both males and females.

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The larva and female of Perigomphus basicornis are described and illustrated, and compared with the larva and female of P. pallidistylus. The larva of P. basicornis differs from that of P. pallidistylus in having sternum 8 divided in five sclerites, abdominal segments 8 and 9 with small, low protuberances on the tergites and male's epiproct as long as its basal width, mainly. The female of P. basicornis differs from that of P. pallidistylus in having the apical lobes of vulvar lamina wider, with divergent tips. P. pallidistylus is recorded for Colombia for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larvae of Cora inca Selys, 1873 and Polythore gigantea (Selys, 1853) were found in first and second order forested streams at the Tatamá Natural National Park in the Colombian Western Andes. Their final larval stadia are here described and figured. Cora inca differs from the larvae of C. cyane Selys, 1853 and C. marina Selys, 1868 by a combination of features including presence of an irregular patch of minute, gray scales to each side of the ventral midline on the ventral pad of hypopharynx, paraprocts with five projections, and the position of epiproct and paraproct projections. On the other hand, the larva of P. gigantea differs from the larva of P. spaeteri Burmeister & Börzsöny, 2003 by antennal scape slightly shorter than 3rd antennomere, prementum 0.10x longer than its widest part, and the position of epiproct and paraproct projections. Although most of the larvae in the family Polythoridae are still unknown, here we discuss the main morphological characteristics that help to diagnose some of the genera in this family, presenting a regional taxonomic key that includes the genera Cora Selys, 1853, Euthore Selys, 1859, Miocora Calvert, 1917, and Polythore Calvert, 1917.

Telebasis Selys, 1865 is a genus well represented in Colombia, with 18 species distributed throughout the territory, one of them being endemic to the country. One of the most underexplored biogeographic regions of the country is the Choc, where we found the two new endemic species of Telebasis here described, Telebasis blasi sp. nov. and Telebasis noveloi sp. nov. In the description of both species, we provide detailed information about their distribution, diagnostic characteristics for males and females, pictures of living specimens and diagnostic characteristics, and a map showing the localities where each species was found. Finally, remarks on the conservation status of these species are presented; we consider that they are probably endangered, since they occupy small ranges and are threatened by several human activities.

The Neotropical genus Epigomphus Hagen in Selys, 1854 groups 31 species distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina. Only two species have been recorded so far from Colombia. Here we present two new species found in the north of the Andean Colombian Cordillera Central, Epigomphus rufus sp. nov. and Epigomphus brillantina sp. nov. Full descriptions of adult male and female and adult male respectively, plus diagnoses, pictures of the diagnostic characteristics, natural history notes, and a distribution map are provided.

Pseudotepuibasis gen. nov. is erected for P. garrisoni sp. nov. from the Colombian Amazon (December 2015, Caquetá Department, Solano Municipality, Araracuara, Guacamayo Guard, -72.2497, -0.6308, L. Pérez leg.). Male and female of this new genus are described and illustrated, cerci of male with a ventrobasal spur for which it is considered in the tribe Teinobasini, close to Tepuibasis De Marmels, 2007 and Austrotepuibasis Machado Lencioni, 2011, by its color pattern and cerci morphology; and close to Leptobasis Selys, 1877 and Mesoleptobasis Sjöstedt, 1918, by its genital ligula. Some notable characters of Pseudotepuibasis are a chitinized spine-like process directed posteriorly on the genital ligula, male cerci with chitinized median tooth, and thoracic color pattern.

A new monobasic genus Dactylobasis is erected for D. demarmelsi sp. nov. (Holotype male, COLOMBIA, Chocó Department, Salero 05°19'01" N 76°36'52" W, alt. 129m, 10 VIII 2005. L. A. Pérez leg. UARC), is described and illustrated. The new genus is considered a member of the Teinobasini by the presence of an articulated ventral spur at the base of cercus in male. Generic characters are: mesanepisternum entirely metallic green, each with a horn in both sexes, propleuron laterally swollen with a spinulose conical posterior projection; male paraproct long with ventral branch at half of its length. Dactylobasis demarmelsi is probably endemic to the Biogeographic province of Chocó.

The large genus Heteragrion has a wide distribution in the Neotropics from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, occurring from sea level to 1800 m.a.s.l. In Colombia, so far ten species and two subspecies of the genus Heteragrion have been found; here we raise this number to 14, with three new records for the country (H. angustipenne Selys, 1886, H. flavidorsum Calvert, 1909 and H. valgum Donnelly, 1992), and the description of H. demarmelsi sp. nov. from Leticia Municipality, Amazonas Department. Also, the females of H. angustipenne and H. flavidorsum are described for the first time. Heteragrion peregrinum Williamson, 1919 is rediscovered and reported in new locations. Photographs of the main structures of taxonomic importance of males and females of all species of Heteragrion from Colombia are presented. Finally, we provide distribution maps, a taxonomic key (for males and females), and comments on the natural history of all Heteragrion species known from Colombia, are also included.

Andaeschna is a small and poorly known genus of dragonflies that inhabits the Andes, from Venezuela to northwestern Argentina. Here we describe Andaeschna occidentalis sp. nov., first species of the genus recorded in the Western Andes, specifically from the Tatamá National Park in Colombia. Males of this species can be differentiated from the other four species in the genus by the unique shape of the distal segment of the vesica spermalis. Likewise, females can be distinguished by their smaller and broader cerci (slightly shorter than S9) and its subquadrate point. The discovery of this beautiful species expands the range of the genus, previously known only in the Eastern Andes.

Argia nataliae n. sp. (Holotype ♂: COLOMBIA, Antioquia Department, Estación Cristalina, about. 28 km west of Puerto Berrio, ca. 6.41 N, 74.58 W, 16 ii 1917, Jesse Hunter Edward Bruce Williamson leg., in University of Michigan [UMMZ]) is described and illustrated and compared with similar species.

The final stadium larva of Erythrodiplax abjecta (Rambur) is described and illustrated based on reared and field collected specimens from Colombia.

Colombia is one of the megadiverse countries in the world, but paradoxically it is one of the less explored. The recent red list assessments show the country has the highest number of endangered species in the Neotropical region. Nevertheless, the sampling effort is low especially in protected areas, which probably can harbor some of the rare species included in the red list. As a result of recent surveys in six protected areas of Colombia, we report twelve new records and describe Cora verapax sp. nov., a rare species, collected after more than 300 days of field surveys at the National Natural Park Tatamá. In addition, we compiled and mapped published Odonata records from 2001 until now for Colombian protected areas (136 spp.). Among the new records, some species were formerly known as endemics from Panama and Ecuador, and five species are reported for the first time inside protected areas, showing the importance of surveys in these special territories and bringing new data for conservation actions, as red list assessment or future management plans.