Search

The present study depicts the first ever DNA barcoding study of Odonates from the State of Kerala, India. The northern part of the state, which corresponds to the western side of the western ghats, was the focus of the study. The study has been conducted as this region is blessed with ample annual rainfall brought on by the southwest monsoon, making it the ideal habitat for many Odonata species documented here. In total, of the 70 specimens collected, 37 cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences belonging to 31 species were deposited in the public repositories (NCBI and BOLD) for future reference. This report produced five new DNA barcodes consisting of two endemic species (Onychogomphus malabarensis and Agriocnemis keralensis), two Coenagrionidae members (Ceriagrion coromendelianum and Aciagrion occidentale), and one Libellulidae member (Lathrecista sp.) from Kerala, along with five novel reports from India. We also checked the inter-family relationships of the six dominant families and analyzed the monophyletic ancestry of the order Odonata. The study predicted monophyletic ancestry in both Zygopterans (damselflies) and Anisopterans (dragonflies) over the taxonomically nearer outgroup (Ephemeroptera) taken for the analysis. This also confirmed the inter-family relationship between these members of the suborders Anisoptera (Libellulidae, Gomphidae, and Aeshnidae) and Zygoptera (Coenagrionidae, Platycnemididae, and Calopterygidae). Thus, the cytochrome oxidase I gene nucleotide substitution analysis attributes neutral evolution to all species, irrespective of their geographical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonates are prominent freshwater insects and play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning as biological indicator of environmental quality. The expansion of urban areas in combination with climate change places great pressure on species found in freshwater habitats. Odonata are iconic freshwater organisms due to their large body sizes and striking coloration. Odonata are hemimetabolous insects, the aquatic larva or nymph hatches from an egg, develops instars before leaving the water and emerging as the winged imago. Thermal tolerance affects Odonates physiology like life process such as growth rate, immune system and pigment. The study was carried out for 12 months from January 2022 to December 2022 in and around Lohara Lake. The objective of this study is to assess the diversity of Odonata species and the impact of temperature on two Odonates families Libelluidae and Coenagrionidae in Lohara Lake. In the present investigation, total 12 species were identified belonging to 11 genera and 2 families. Anisoptera (dragonflies) dominant over Zygoptera (damselflies). Among Anisoptera, 8 species belong to family Libelluidae and in Zygoptera, 4 species belong to family Coenagrionidae.The minimum and maximum temperature of the site was 16°C and 44°C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonata, a primitive group of amphibiotic insects, serves as vital indicators of habitat quality and ecosystem health due to their specific habitat preferences. Additionally, they contribute significantly to pest population control due to their predatory nature during both larval and adult stage. The genus, Camacinia, belonging to sub-family Libellulinae and family Libellulidae is known to comprise three species globally, Camacinia gigantea, Camacinia harterti and Camacinia othello. In India, C. harterti was first reported from Sikkim by Martin (Bull Mus Hist Nat 1900:103–108, 1900) and was enlisted in Indian Odonata fauna by Fraser (J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 27:253–269, 1920). However, the species was removed from Indian Odonata list and was not enlisted in majority of the recent literatures on Odonates of India. Here we report the recent sighting of Camacinia harterti, Karsch (Berl Entomol Z 33:347–392, 1890) from Namphing in Namchi District, Sikkim, India. There was no report of occurrence of C. harterti from Sikkim after Martin (Bull Mus Hist Nat 1900:103–108, 1900) record, and recent sighting of this species from Sikkim, India is a rediscovery of this species after a gap of 122 years. The implications of this rediscovery are significant, prompting thorough and extensive research on Odonates in the Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population dynamics, diversity and community structure of Odonata were studied on three adjacent riparian microecosystems in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India. Population dynamics was studied by observing their population by point count method on three microhabitats (Mini River at Sankarda, Sindhrot and Mahi River at Fazalpur). In the course of a twenty-eight-week study, a total of 4783 Odonata were encountered on three microecosystems. Odonata density 9% throughout September 2014 (39th Meteorological Week) and gained its peak during October 2014 (44th Meteorological Week). A definite drop in the density was observed during November 2014 (48th Meteorological Week) and it achieved precisely 1% throughout December 2014 (51st Meteorological Week). Amongst the three microecosystems, at Fazalpur, species richness began rising from the 4th week of September (6%) and made it to its highest (11%) throughout the 4th week of October. At Sankarda, maximum absolute richness (12.61%) was recorded in 3rd week of October. At Sindhrot, the relative abundance of odonates started increasing in 3rd week of September (7%) and achieved its highest (13%) during 4th week of October. A total of twenty-five species were encountered in the terrain. The diversity index was maximum for Sankarda (2.35) followed by Fazalpur (2.27) and Sindhrot (2.01). A total of four species (Ditch Jewel (26.6%), Pigmy Dartlet (19.5%), Green Marsh Hawk (10.3%) and Senegal Golden Dartlet (8.3%) were dominant in all three microhabitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary study of the odonate fauna of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, southern India was carried out from August 2020 to November 2020. Ponds, streams, and swamps in the sanctuary were sampled using Visual Encounter Surveys (VES). A total of 85 species (49 dragonflies and 36 damselflies) from 11 families were recorded, out of which 14 species are endemic to the Western Ghats. Orthetrum pruinosum was found to be the most common species in the sanctuary. Indolestes pulcherrimus, an endemic species with no recent records, is being reported for the first time with photographs from the wild. The highest number of species was recorded in the ponds (56 species), followed by streams (46 species) and swamps (33 species). However, the number of endemic species was highest in the streams (8 species), followed by swamps (3 species) and ponds (2 species). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonates are useful biological indicators of environmental health because of their pollution-free habitat requirements and amphibiotic life cycle. Due to habitat destruction by industrial development, there is a need to name these odonates and obtain their genetic data to be used in understanding their evolutionary history for biodiversity conservation. Aciagrion is a poorly known and taxonomically difficult genus of oriental damselflies. Species of this genus cannot be distinguished on the basis of morphological characters alone as they are morphologically similar to the damselflies of other genera (Ischnura and Amphiallagma) and may also be referred to as cryptic species. Here, therefore, molecular studies are carried out to distinguish the species of this genus. The phylogenetic relationships of five species of genus Aciagrion have been explored using molecular (based on concatenated sequences of mitochondrial genes- COI, ND1 and 16S rRNA genes) as well as external morphological characters. Single-linkage cluster analysis of morphological data sets did not explain the relationships appropriately among the species of this genus as outgroup species were also retrieved within ingroup species. Interspecific genetic divergence, conserved, variable, parsimony-informative sites, nucleotide base composition and transition/transversion bias based on concatenated gene sequences have been calculated for these species. It is found that a multigene concatenation approach interprets phylogeny more appropriately than the morphological data alone. Presently, a COI gene fragment sequence for one species (the endemic Aciagrion hisopa), 16S rRNA gene fragments for four species and ND1 gene fragments for five species have been submitted for the first time to GenBank, and phylogenetic relationships based on three genes have also been determined for the first time. Aciagrion migratum is a new record from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonates are fresh-water insects that serve as indicators of the quality of fresh water resources. Aarey Milk Colony (AMC) harbors several seasonal wetlands, serving as an ideal habitat for dragonflies and damselflies. To date, however, odonate diversity in AMC remains understudied. Moreover, the region is currently facing immense anthropogenic pressure, which may result in the permanent destruction of some of the most important wetland habitats in Mumbai Suburban District. Therefore, to document odonate diversity in AMC, we conducted surveys during 2018–2019 and recorded 51 species belonging to 32 genera in 9 families of 2 suborders. Of these, 27 represent new records from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In the present article, we provide photographic documentation of odonate species and highlight the thriving diversity of these insects in urban habitats. Our findings will contribute to emphasizing the ecological importance of AMC and aid its protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 is described from Anamalai Hills of southern Western Ghats in peninsular India. The new species is distinguished from its regional congeners by the posterior lobe of the prothorax being devoid of spines; anterior 1/3rd of S8 pale yellow, the marking not connected dorsally; S9 completely black; caudal appendages short, sinuous, and only twice the length of S10, cerci with a small blunt basal tooth; the tip of the superior lobe of cerci not bilobed but straight, paraprocts beveled at the tip, not clubbed; pterostigma of both wings trapezoidal with maximum length less than twice the breadth, forewing with nine & hindwing with eight postnodals, and the structure of male genital ligula. The new species is described from Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary on the northwestern flanks of the Anamalai hills. A key to the identification of Protosticta of the Western Ghats is provided based on mature males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to reveal the odonate diversity in Jabalpur city and its surrounding area in Madhya Pradesh, central India. During the study period of 2008-2019 a total of 75 species of odonates belonging to two suborders and nine families were recorded. Twenty-one new species were recorded for Jabalpur district and four for Madhya Pradesh; 37% (28) species were abundant or very common, 19% (14) were common, 16% (12) were frequent, 24% (18) rare, and 4% (3) very rare. The maximum number of odonates were found in family Libellulidae (n= 32), followed by Coenagrionidae (n= 17), Gomphidae (n= 09), Platycenemididae (n= 06), Aeshnidae (n= 05), Lestidae (n= 03), Macromiidae (n= 02), and Chlorocyphidae (n= 01). Of 75 species recorded from Jabalpur city, 72 come under the IUCN Red List. Among them, Indothemis carnatica come under Near Threatened (NT) category, 65 species come under Least Concern (LC) Category, six species under Data Deficient (DD), and three species remain not assessed. The study supports the value of the city area in providing habitatfor Odonata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A year-long study to document the diversity and seasonality of odonates was conducted at Aryanad Grama Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, southern India. A total of 93 species (56 dragonflies and 37 damselflies) belonging to 12 families were recorded. Twenty-four species of odonates recorded are endemic to the Western Ghats, three to peninsular India and one to India. Small streams showed the highest species richness, hosting 69 species and ponds the lowest with 59 species. Species richness showed a peak during the southwest monsoon season and a dip in winter. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity documentation at regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, we have collated a checklist of 97 species of odonates from Doon valley, Uttarakhand by reviewing the literature. These species are distributed across 13 families, 58 genera, and eight superfamilies. Of these species, 60 were Anisoptera (dragonflies) and 37 were Zygoptera (damselflies). Three species of dragonflies and two damselflies are endemic to India. This checklist updates existing knowledge on insect diversity in the Doon valley and will aid conservation management of wetlands in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of freshwater habitats through aquatic insects is widely used. A study was carried out in March, 2019 at 14 sites in the Upper Ganga River between Brijghat and Narora, a riverine Ramsar site in India, to document the diversity of three major aquatic predatory insect groups—Odonata, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera—and determine their biomonitoring potential. The study recorded three species of Coleoptera, four Hemiptera, 14 dragonflies, and eight damselflies. The Shannon diversity index (H′) ranged from 2.465 to 2.782, Pielou’s Evenness index (J′) from 0.841 to 0.894, and Berger–Parker index of dominance (d) from 0.122 to 0.243. Families Libellulidae (Odonata), Coenagrionidae (Odonata) and Gerridae (Hemiptera) had high relative abundance and dominant status. The stream invertebrate grade number-average level (SIGNAL2) score (for family) ranged from 2.316 to 3.174, lying within quadrant 2 of the SIGNAL2 (family) quadrant diagram. This suggested that the water in the area is likely to have high levels of turbidity, salinity, or nutrients, caused naturally or by anthropogenic activities, and the water has low levels of most toxic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The riparian Odonate insect diversity of the midstream Chalakudy River at six locations assessed from February 2018 to January 2019 has revealed the occurrence of 25 species of odonates. Among them,10 species are dragonflies belonging to seven genera of the family Libellulidae and the remaining 15 species are damselflies belonging to six families and 11 genera. Five endemic damselfly species have been recorded. Pseudagrion indicum is endemic to the Western Ghats, while the remaining four species, Vestalis apicalis, Libellago indica, Dysphaea ethela, and Heliocypha bisignata, are endemic to India. Diversity indices of the odonates in all the six locations were analyzed and it showed less abundance at sites where tourist activities are more and with thin native riparian vegetation. Further, the study has unequivocally revealed that thick native riparian vegetation is essential for their perching and existence. By and large, the uncontrolled tourism activities and habitat alteration interfere with the density and diversity of these endemic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For gauging suitability of zygopteran odonates as bioindicators of ecosystems, an attempt was made to record the seasonal diversity of damselflies from seven different types of habitats in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal covering 14 land use sites. The study revealed existence of 19 species of damselflies belonging to 10 genera under two families. While the riparian zone had maximum number of species (15), paddy field had the lowest number (six). Ceriagrion coromandelianum and Agriocnemis pygmaea were the most common species. C. coromandelianum was eudominant in grassland and wetland-forest interface, whereas A. pygmaea was eudominant in fish pond and paddy field. Six species, viz., Paracercion calamorum, P. malayanum, Pseudagrion australasiae, P. decorum, P. spencei, and P. microcephalum were confined only to the riparian zone. Maximum abundance of damselflies was found in the riparian zone and minimum in the paddy field. Damselflies exhibited a distinct peak in March–April and a lesser peak in September–October. Most of the land use patterns exhibited similar zygopteran faunal composition. Species diversity index was moderate (1.4–2.5) and evenness index was on the higher side (0.76–0.94). Dominance Index ranged from 26.2 to 64.6. Riparian zone appeared to be the least stressed and most equitable habitat with highest diversity and evenness index and lowest dominance index. Paddy field seemed to be the harshest habitat for damselflies with least diversity and highest dominance index. The present study suggests that community analysis of damselflies can be quite useful in the assessment of the quality of any ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of Odonata are highly predacious on invertebrates, especially the immature stages, which are generalist predators. The Odonate diversity of protected areas of Gujarat state, India was studied from August, 2014 to July, 2017. Fifteen protected areas of Gujarat were surveyed. A total of 60 species (41 species of Anisoptera and 19 species of Zygoptera) belonging to 40 genera under 8 families and two suborders were recorded. Maximum species (54) were recorded from Purna Wildlife Sanctuary of Dang district followed by Vansda National Park (44 species) of Navsari district. Amongst the protected wetlands, maximum species (47) were recorded from Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour and ecology of an elusive dragonfly, Lyriothemis acigastra (Insecta: Odonata: Libellulidae) based on observations from Kadavoor Village, Ernakulam District, Kerala are detailed. Range extension of the species within Kerala after its first report in 2013 is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A year-long study was conducted at the Kole Wetlands, a Ramsar site in central Kerala to document the diversity of dragonflies and damselflies and understand their seasonality. Checklist survey method was used to sample adult odonates in 30 randomly chosen locations. A total of 44 species (30 dragonflies and 14 damselflies) belonging to 33 genera and eight families were recorded in the study area. Species richness showed a peak in the post-monsoon season and a dip in the summer. The observations support the value of the Kole Wetlands in providing valuable resources for Odonata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonata are the bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health and is recognised as an excellent 'flagship' group among insects. Baseline knowledge on the diversity and distribution of odonates over spatiotemporal scale is the key to biodiversity conservation. Rani Reserve Forest of Assam is a mosaic of all the habitat types suitable for odonates. The present work aims at studying the diversity and distribution of Odonates in Rani Reserve Forest. The study was carried out from December 2014 to November 2017 by categorising the study area into three major habitat types: 1. lentic system, 2. lotic system and 3. terrestrial woodland. A total of 67 species belonging to 44 genera, representing 11 families were recorded. First published records of three species, Onychothemis testacea (Libellulidae), Philoganga montana (Philogangidae) and Indocnemis orang (Platycnemididae) from the state are also provided herewith. Species richness was the highest in lentic system whereas recorded the lowest in running waters of larger forested streams. Shannon diversity index also indicated that the lentic system is relatively diverse (2.95) and smaller streams of the lotic system showed the highest species evenness (0.87). Libellulidae (43%) was found to be the most dominant family belonging to suborder Anisoptera followed by Coenagrionidae (22%) of suborder Zygoptera. Philogangidae (1%) recorded the lowest number of species. Taxonomically related species showed distinct ecological segregation within these different habitat types occupying different microhabitats therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphism has rarely been reported from dragonflies of the Libellulidae (Odonata: Anisoptera) family. Here, we report female-limited polymorphism in females of five species of the Libellulidae and a gynandromorph male of Brachythemis contaminata from South Asia. We describe the morphological variation between andromorph and heteromorph females, and collate records of andromorph females from various sources. Yearly number of andromorph females of Crocothemis servilia, Urothemis signata and Neurothemis tullia was calculated using records from published literature and unpublished sources, and social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Indian wetland palaeoecosystem, no dragonfly has been reported from the Cenozoic sediments until now. Here, we report a well-preserved fossil dragonfly (Odonata: Anisoptera) recovered from the late Neogene sediments of the Chotanagpur plateau, Jharkhand, eastern India. It is characterized by well-preserved head, thorax and a long cylindrical abdomen with terminalia and four wings with longitudinal veins, cross-veins and characteristic small pterostigma at the apex. These significant morphological attributes reveal a close resemblance of the fossil specimen with modern dragonflies of the family Libellulidae (order: Odonata, sub-order: Anisoptera). To the best of our knowledge, there is no reliable occurrence of dragonfly in the Indian fossil record. The core distribution of the dragonfly, suggests that it thrived under a tropical, warm, humid climate during the depositional period. The fossil specimen was found associated with prolific and diversified tropical angiospermic plant remains, vertebrates and invertebrates that provided a suitable palaeoniche for the dragonfly to survive. In addition, the fossil material and associated angiospermic flora indicate the terrestrial as well as freshwater lacustrine environment in Chotanagpur plateau during the depositional period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Platylestes Selys, 1862 is known from India, by only one species, P. platystylus from eastern India, West Bengal, and recently from Kerala. Here, we describe a new species Platylestes kirani from the coastal tracts of the northern part of Kerala, southern India. The new species differs from all other known species of the genus by its unique coloration, distinct marking on synthorax, and the shape of anal appendages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganges riverine ecosystem is one of the largest aquatic ecosystem of India and also supports diverse aquatic diversity compared to others aquatic ecosystem. The objective of the present study was to carried out the macrobenthos diversity status and its relation to physico-chemical parameters on spatial-temporal scales. Macrobenthos was collected along with major physicochemical parameters from four sampling zones of the upper Ganga basin for the period of one year from September 2017 to August 2018. Macrobenthos diversity status, abundance was analysed with the help of PAST (version 3.0) software. The result of present experimental study clearly indicated that Ganga river and its tributaries provides the natural habitat of seven groups of macrobenthos included Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Odonata, Mollusca and Annelida. The species-wise dominance was in order of Ephemeroptera, (8 species) Hemiptera, (3 species) Diptera, (6 species) Coleoptera, (5 species) Odonata, (3 species), Mollusca (2 species) and Annelida, (2 species) identified from all four sampling zones and amongst these Ephemeroptera was dominated both in qualitative and quantitative dominant. Water velocity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand contributed as major influential ecological factors for macrobenthos species richness and their distribution in the Ganga river and its tributaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large forest dwelling libellulid dragonfly Camacinia harterti Karsch, 1890 is recorded from Arunachal Pradesh and India for the first time in 115 years. The present record is based on a single male specimen collected from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. We provide detailed diagnostic characters in photographs and information on the global distribution of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion of natural habitat into agricultural landscape has been identified as one of the major drivers of habitat loss. Human-modified ecosystems, such as agricultural land, have gained significant attention in terms of the conservation of their native biodiversity. We studied the effectiveness of organic agroecosystems in conserving odonate diversity by comparing organic terrace rice cultivation with a nearby natural forest system with streams in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India. We sampled adult odonates using a transect count method (laying six permanent transects) covering two villages (Lingmoo in South Sikkim and Dzongu in North Sikkim), making a total of 48 transect counts. A total of 881 individual odonates representing 31 species under two suborders (16 Anisoptera and 15 Zygoptera) and seven families were recorded during this study. Of these, 20 species representing three families and 18 species representing seven families were observed in terrace rice cultivation and the natural forest system, respectively. Beta diversity estimates showed that the community composition of the odonates differed qualitatively (incidence measure) and quantitatively (abundance measure) between the two land use types. Turnover component (abundance balance in case of abundance based beta diversity measure) had higher contribution in the overall beta diversity, suggesting that one assemblage of species is being replaced by another due to environmental sorting. The variation in community composition between the two habitats was statistically significant. Our results suggest that organic wetland habitats are important for conservation of odonates and associated biodiversity (especially herpetofauna) in the Himalaya and require urgent conservation attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an integrated demand response (DR) and dynamic economic dispatch (DED) model consisting of renewable energy sources (RESs) and shunt FACTS (flexible AC transmission systems) devices with focus on reducing thermal energy consumption. RESs are environment friendly and can be located close to the load centers, which helps in reducing T&D losses as well as harmful emissions. DR helps in reducing peak power consumption and generation cost of thermal power plants. Shunt FACTS device, static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), helps in improving voltage profile of the network. Analyses are carried out using the proposed ameliorated dragonfly algorithm (ADFA). The efficiency of developed ADFA is proved by comparing the obtained results with many other methods. Static economic dispatch is carried out on 6-, 17- and 40-thermal generator test systems using ADFA, and the results are compared with other existing methods available in the literature. Further, DED is carried out on 6- and 17-thermal generator test systems. Later, a DED is performed on a real-time 17-thermal generator (South Indian 86-bus system) system for four seasons. Solar irradiance and wind speed are modeled using beta distribution and Weibull distribution functions by collecting the historical data of the test system. The developed demand response program is implemented on a real-time 17 thermal unit and 86-bus test system located in Tamil Nadu, southern part of India. The developed DR model alters time-independent loads so that burden on generating stations during the peak load is minimized. The effect of DR, RES and STATCOM in the test system is studied individually. Further, a comparative analysis considering DR, RES and STATCOM together is presented. The results obtained are promising, and it can be interpreted that by using the developed model there will be improvement in the penetration levels of RES which in turn reduces the demand for thermal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The description of the final instar larva and the subsequent exuvia of Platylestes platystylus (Rambur, 1842) is given based on a single male larva collected from Kerala and reared in the laboratory. A brief account of the habitat of the damselfly and an updated key to the larvae of genera of Family Lestidae Calvert, 1901 are also provided.

The present paper deals with the first descriptions of the females of two endemic Gomphid dragonflies of India, namely Cyclogomphus heterostylus Selys, 1854 and Ictinogomphus distinctus Ram, 1985, based on the specimens collected from Maharashtra, India. Additionally present status of Cyclogomphus wilkinsi Fraser, 1926 in India is also discussed.

The Odonate diversity of All Saints’ College campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, was documented for 1 year from June 2020 to May2021. The rich source of water bodies on the campus provided an excellent habitat for odonates. Overall, 36 species (26 dragonflies and ten damselflies) belonging to 29 genera and five families were documented. The diversity of odonates was recorded to the maximum in the monsoon season. A comparison of odonate diversity reported from different locations across the state signifies the importance of conserving freshwater ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We erect Gynacantha anandmati sp. nov. based on one male and one female specimens collected from Thane district of Maharashtra. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by long, straight and nearly flat cerci, distinct 'T-shaped mark' on postfrons and vividly marked abdomen. We also provide updated key to identification of males of South Asian Gynacantha spp.

Gandhi Sagar Lake is one of the most polluted water body of Nagpur city and is located in the centre of thickly populated residential area. Odonates are directly affected by water pollution since the major period of their life cycle as nymphs is spent in water. Although odonates are categorized as "moderately intolerant organisms" in a water body, no attempts have been undertaken to study the species specific intolerance level in Odonata. The following presentation describes the observation of the seasonal variation of odonates breeding in the polluted water of Gandhi sagar lake. The following eleven odonates were observed breeding in the Gandhi sagar lake- Suborder- ANISOPTERA: Family Aeshnidae- Anax guttatus (Burmeister); Family Gomphidae- Ictinogomphus rapax (Rambur); Family Libellulidae- Brachythemis contaminata (Fabricius), Bradinopyga geminata (Rambur), Crocothemis servilia servilia (Drury), Diplacodes trivialis (Rambur), Orthetrurn s. sabina (Drury), Pantala flavescens (Fabricius): Suborder- ZYGOPTERA: Family Coenagrionidae- Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabricius). Ischnura aurora (Brauer) and Ischnura senegalensis (Rambur). These odonates species appear to be robust and opportunistic species and can be catagorised as "fairly tolerant organisms". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odonata larvae were collected from Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur, northeastern India during 2009-2011. The study recorded 15 species of Odonata larvae belonging to the anisopteran families Aeshnidae, Libellulidae and zygopteran families Calopterigidae, Lestidae and Coenagrionidae. The study revealed that there is a need for a detailed study of Odonata fauna of the national park as thorough knowledge of the important species of a conservation area is very essential for proper management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although stable hydrogen ( δ 2 H) and carbon ( δ 13 C) isotopic compositions of bird feathers have been increasingly used to understand the migration of birds through assignment of individuals to established isoscapes, far less is known about the structure of feather isoscapes based on stable sulphur isotope ( δ ) dragonfly in India, no isotope studies have been applied to avian migration patterns in that region. Here, based on museum collections, we report the feather 34 S) assays. While δ S enriched feathers, resident birds throughout India and a single migratory species, Bar-headed Goose ( 2 H isoscapes have been used to investigate the migratory origins of the Globe Skimmer ( Pantala flavescens ) dragonfly in India, no isotope studies have been applied to avian migration patterns in that region. Here, based on museum collections, we report the feather δ 34 S values of 13 avian species that included marine birds with expected 34  = 74; range = 19.9 ‰) throughout most of India but the Himalayan region and Gangetic plain typically showed Anser indicus ). Feathers from the marine birds were the most enriched (20.6 ± 1.2 ‰, n  = 10; range = 4.4 ‰) in 34 S but terrestrial resident species also showed unexpectedly high δ 34 S values (11.7 ± 4.8 ‰, n  = 74; range = 19.9 ‰) throughout most of India but the Himalayan region and Gangetic plain typically showed δ 34 S values less than 6.4 ‰. Our results show the utility of feather δ 34 S studies to decipher avian and other animal migration between these two regions.

The article presents a study which discusses the species classification of odonata (Insecta) in the Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) sanctuary in Central India. The study uses direct search technique using a Nikon P90 digital camera to document various category of the species from January to December 2010. Results shows that odonates are bio-indicators in the ecosystem which plays an important role in the ecological equilibrium.

The article presents a study on the new species in the order of odonata, which were recorded from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh States in Central India. It says that the dragonflies and damselflies, spend most of their lives in fresh water ecosystems including marshes, rivers, and lakes. It mentions that Lestes thoracicus Laidlaw was reported in some Indian regions. It adds that the same species, compared to Lestes umbrinus are not much distinct due to the differences in anal appendages.

The objectives of the present study were to explore the Odonata (Class Insecta, phylum Arthopoda) fauna at Chatri Lake region. Odonata fauna of the Chatri Lake region was investigated. Total 22 species of dragonflies and damselflies belonging to four families were recorded. In our study the most abundant family was Lebellulidae followed by coenogrionidae, while family gomphidae and Platycenemididae was least abundant. Lebellulidae family represents 11 species; coenogrionidae represents 8 species while gomphidae and Platycenemididae represents two and one species respectively. We observed that the station 1 is most diverse in Odonata fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the vast species of damselflies and dragonflies found at the Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. These insects thrived in TFRI's water reservoir surrounded with various vegetations. Furthermore, the life cycle and feeding habits of these amphibiotic insects are also discussed.

A study was made on the temporal fluctuations of distribution of aquatic insects around Phumdi Live (PL), Phumdi Mixed (PM) and Phumdi Dry (PD) areas of Loktak Lake. Phumdis are a heterogeneous mass of soil, vegetation and organic matter. The study revealed the presence of predators, and the absence of herbivores and detritivores in both PL and PM, the PD area was totally devoid of insects. Although both the habitats supported the same predator groups hemiptera and odonata, diversity and density in terms of family and species were higher in PL than in PM. Temporal fluctuations revealed that the Shannon-Weiner’s Diversity Index values were highest in June for both PL (0.726) and PM (0.47). In both the sites the highest density was recorded in February. The relative abundance of hemiptera was higher than that of odonata in most of the months in PL. Phumdi Mixed was represented by one species of hemiptera only, in the month of February and dominated by odonates otherwise. Community composition of odonata larvae did not show any difference between the two habitats. Although the study revealed low diversity and density of insects in both sites, the PL community provided a better habitat to aquatic insects than that of PM. These are of value as fish food and in turn for fish production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an entomological study of 645 species of fauna at Kane Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India. It states that the study was referred to the works of Mitra and colleagues on the species of insects belonging to Odonata, Coleoptera, and Diptera. It presents the survey method, specimen collection, and extraction and preservation. Moreover, it provides data on the dominant, records and occurrence of the species, and the feeding process of the fauna.

The article presents a study which examines the diversity and abundance of odonata in the Salem and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The study collected samples of adult odonata from 13 temporary water bodies in such districts following the north-east monsoon season using a sweep net. Results show that the districts had 21 species of odonata consisting of seven species from zygoptera and 14 species from anisoptera, which belonged to 17 genera under four families.

The study reports the results from surveys for Odonates in the State of Goa over 19 months during 2007-2008. A total of 66 species of Odonates were documented with 34 new species records from the State. The present study has resulted in an increase of 47.30% in the number of species reported from Goa to 74 from the existing 39. Family Libellulidae dominated the odonate community with 32 species followed by Coenagrionidae with 14 species. Orthetrum sabina was the most abundant species while seven species were documented only once during the survey period. More survey effort are needed to completely document the odonate species diversity of the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of dragonfly, Burmagomphus chaukulensis sp. nov., based on four males and two females from Chaukul, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra located in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. The newly described species is diagnosed from its congeners by a combination of following characters: the shape of male caudal appendages (prominent lateral spines on cerci) and the lateral thoracic markings (stripe on mesepisternum reduced and pointed anteriorly). Additionally, B. chaukulensis is unique in terms of the shape of hamuli, strongly angulated with spines at both sides. An updated identification key to Indian Burmagomphus spp. is also provided.

A new species Cephalaeschna patrai sp. nov. is described from Neora Valley National Park, Darjeeling Himalays as the eighth species of the genus from India. This new species is characterized by bright green markings on overall black body color, black is replaced with brown in female. Anterolateral thoracic stripe separated in two patches connected with a narrow line. The cerci are uniformly broad towards end, without any constriction in the lateral view; tip of the same prominently curved upwards to form blunt tubercle which appears to be projected inwards in the dorsal view. An updated key for all the Indian species is provided here. A short note about the affinities among congenerics distributed across Himalayas (particularly C. acanthifrons Joshi Kunte, 2017 and C. viridifrons (Fraser, 1922)) is also included.

Megalestes gyalsey Gyeltshen, Kalkman Orr, 2017 is recorded for the first time from India, extending the known geographic range of the species. This report is based on the collection of 5 individuals (4 males, 1 female) from Jang waterfall, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh and 2 males from Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong district, West Bengal. The female of M. gyalsey is described for the first time with notes on the variation in the male. A probable larva of the species is also described and illustrated.

The globe skimmer dragonfly, Pantala flavescens Fabricius (Odonata: Libellulidae), is a long-distance migrant, well adapted to exploiting ephemeral waterbodies. This species occurs in Japan every summer, but overwintering has only been recorded on subtropical Ishigaki Island. It is not known from where the summer immigrants originate, nor what proportion of the globe skimmers seen in Japan are of local origin. We analyzed stable hydrogen isotope (δ 2H) composition of wings of 189 P. flavescens captured at six sites in Japan from August to September in 2016 (n = 57) and from April to November in 2017 (n = 132). We determined that the majority of individuals were immigrants. Individuals of probable Japanese origin occurred only later in the year and were of lower mass on average than immigrants. Immigrants potentially originated from a broad area as far west as northern India and the Tibetan Plateau and, especially late in the season, as near as northcentral China and the Korean peninsula. However, for April samples, the most parsimonious interpretation suggested southern origins, in northern Myanmar to southern China, or possibly Borneo-Sulawesi. Our investigation underlines the power of combining stable isotope data with other information such as wind speed and direction, arrival dates, and body mass to estimate origins and to understand the life history of this and other insects., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The male and female of Orthetrum erythronigrum sp. nov. are described from Great Nicobar Island and are believed to be endemic to the Nicobar Islands archipelago (holotype ♂, India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Great Nicobar Island, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, N 6.99067, E 93.871363; 01-xii-2018; deposited in ZSI, SRC, Chennai, India). The male of this new species is easily distinguished from other known Orthetrum species by its black abdomen with contrasting crimson belly. Female is distinguished by its large size, the black non-metallic head, black thorax and the red abdomen with a distinct black pattern. Based on field observations and photographs, notes on the life colouration of the mature male and information on the distribution and habitat of this Great Nicobar endemic are provided.

Three new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in India: P. cyanofemora sp. nov. (wet evergreen forests in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam, Kerala and Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu), P. myristicaensis sp. nov. (Myristica swamp at Kathalekan, Shivamogga, Karnataka) and P. sholai sp. nov. (montane sholas of Upper Manalar, Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Theni, Tamil Nadu) are described and illustrated. We compare these three new species with other Protosticta spp. from the Western Ghats based on new material and provide comprehensive differential diagnoses with determination key for males of all species occurring in the Western Ghats. The taxonomic validity of P. mortoni Fraser, 1922 is established with fresh specimens from Hassan, Karnataka, and rediscovery of P. rufostigma Kimmins, 1958 is reported from Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu.

A checklist of the dragonflies and damselflies occurring in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka is presented. In total 588 (including 559 full species) taxa are known to occur in the region of which 251 taxa (species subspecies) are single country endemics. Recent taxonomic changes relevant to the area are summarized. Sixteen taxa are synonymized and a checklist of all synonyms established since 1950 is provided. Information is given on available larval descriptions including a list of genera present in the region for which no larvae have yet been described. Numerous species occurring in the area are still poorly known and a list of genera for which a revision is urgently needed is provided.                The following new synonyms are established: Calicnemia sudhaae Mitra, 1994 = Calicnemia imitans Lieftinck, 1948 syn. nov.; Ceriagrion fallax cerinomelas Lieftinck, 1927 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Ceriagrion fallax pendleburyi Laidlaw, 1931 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Coenagrion kashmirus Chowdhary Das, 1975 = Ischnura forcipata Morton, 1907 syn. nov.; Enallagma insula Fraser, 1920 = Aciagrion occidentale Laidlaw, 1919 syn. nov.; Himalagrion pithoragarhicum Sahni, 1964 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Ischnura bhimtalensis Sahni, 1965 = Ischnura rubilio Selys, 1876 syn. nov.; Onychargia indica Sahni, 1964 = Paracercion calamorum (Ris, 1916) syn. nov.; Anaciaeschna kashmirense Singh Baijal, 1954 = Anaciaeschna martini (Selys, 1897) syn. nov.; Cyclogomphus vesiculosus Selys, 1854 = Cyclogomphus ypsilon Selys, 1954 syn. nov.; Chlorogomphus brittoi Navás, 1934 = Chlorogomphus xanthoptera (Fraser, 1919) syn. nov.; Hylaeothemis indica Fraser, 1946 = Hylaeothemis apicalis Fraser, 1924 syn. nov.; Sympetrum durum Bartenef, 1916 = Sympetrum striolatum commixtum Selys, 1884 syn. nov.; Sympetrum himalayanum Navás, 1934 = Sympetrum hypomelas (Selys, 1884) syn. nov.; Sympetrum haematoneura Fraser, 1924 = Sympetrum speciosum Oguma, 1915 syn. nov.; Sympetrum speciosum taiwanum Asahina, 1951 = Sympetrum speciosum Oguma, 1915 syn. nov.                In addition, Periaeschna lebasi Navás, 1930 is regarded a nomen nudum. The following new combinations are proposed: Onychogomphus acinaces Laidlaw, 1922 is transferred to the genus Melligomphus Chao, 1990 resulting in Melligomphus acinaces (Laidlaw, 1922) comb. nov. Onychogomphus saundersii Selys, 1854 is transferred to the genus Nychogomphus Carle, 1986 resulting in Nychogomphus saundersii (Selys, 1854) comb. nov..