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During a field expedition in the municipality of Araquari, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, adults of the damselfly Cyanallagma demoiselle Denck, Ehlert & Pinto 2023 (Odonata, Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) were collected. This species was recently described and reported to date for the southeastern Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Here, we recorded this species as well as its respective genus for the first time for the state of Santa Catarina, increasing its distribution range of the species to southwards and raising the number of Odonata species recorded for this state to 151. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While most flowering plant species rely on animal pollinators, approximately 10% of angiosperms utilize wind or water for pollination. Moreover, certain species can have mixed pollination system—ambophily—wherein both biotic and abiotic agents contribute to pollen transport. Upon frequent observation of damselflies (Coenagrionidae) perching on Callitriche rimosa Fassetv (Plantaginaceae), an aquatic herb with small flowers protruding above the water's surface, we hypothesized their potential contribution to the pollination of this primarily abiotically pollinated plant. Observations were conducted along the shores of a pond in southern Brazil. Damselflies were seen carrying pollen grains on their legs from C. rimosa leaves, where pollen falls from the anthers and remains exposed. Given damselflies' activity levels during summer, incidental contact with C. rimosa reproductive structures facilitates cross‐pollination. This interaction may facilitate both plants and insects, considering damselflies' dependence on freshwater bodies and use of C. rimosa leaves for perching. Accessory pollen presentation on leaves may convert occasional visitors into pollinators, expanding the pollination niche of C. rimosa. Recognizing lesser‐known pollinators like damselflies is crucial for understanding plant reproduction in diverse ecosystems. This study investigates the role of damselflies in pollinating Callitriche rimosa Fasset, traditionally considered to be abiotically pollinated. Through field observations in southern Brazil, we documented damselflies interacting with C. rimosa, potentially contributing to its pollination. Our findings shed light on the overlooked role of damselflies as pollinators in aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tres especies de odonatos representadas en la Colección Entomológica de la Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (CEUC) son catalogadas para el humedal andino Lucre - Huacarpay, departamento de Cusco, Perú y se aportan datos de distribución para dichas especies.

El Área de Conservación Regional (ACR) Choquequirao es un Área Natural Protegida (ANP), ubicada en el departamento del Cusco, Perú. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar un inventario preliminar de Odonata en esta ANP. Se reportan 10 especies pertenecientes a cuatro familias y se añaden comentarios sobre su distribución. Anax amazili, Tramea darwini y Pantala hymenaea son nuevos registros para el departamento del Cusco; además, se amplía la distribución altitudinal de A. amazili y T. darwini en el país, hasta los 2580 m s.n.m. Finalmente, se registra por primera vez a Tramea rustica en Perú. Este estudio contribuye al conocimiento de la odonatofauna peruana en esta ACR; sin embargo, se requieren más investigaciones en esta área y otros departamentos aún no explorados.

Our aim was to investigate the larval development of Argia joergenseni Ris in three streams located at different latitudes and ecoregions (Yungas and Chaco) in Argentina. We measured the head width and the metathoracic wing sheath length, and classified larvae into five size classes. Our results showed different patterns of larval growth between the three study sites. At the Yungas sites (latitude 26° S), larvae exhibited a high proportion of small individuals throughout the year, suggesting a multivoltine life cycle. In contrast, larvae in the Chaco region (latitude 32° S) showed marked seasonality in growth. The findings indicate a negative correlation between voltinism and latitude in A. joergenseni. The species exhibited an almost continuous flight season in the Yungas, while at the southern limit of its distribution (Chaco), the flight season was limited to the warmest months. This study provides important information on the larval ecology of A. joergenseni, contributing to a better understanding of the dynamics of damselfly communities and facilitating the development of effective conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity forms the foundation of the vast array of ecosystem that critically contributes to human well-being. Odonates are considered to be indicator of ecological balance and are commonly seen in and around water bodies. The present study was carried out to assess the Diversity and Abundance of Odonates in the selected sites of Kollam and Trivandrum districts, Kerala, India in 2020-2021. A total of 25 species belonging to 16 genera and 6 families were recorded during the entire study. Suborder Anisoptera was represented by the families Libellulidae, comprising 10 species and Gomphidae, with 1 species; and the suborder Zygoptera was represented by the families Calopterygidae, with 2 species; Platycnemididae, with 3 species; Coenagrionidae, with 8 species; and Chlorocyphidae, with 1 species. Libellulidae was the dominating family with 40% of the total observations, followed by Coenagrionidae family. The only way to save the Odonata fauna and its habitats is creating awareness among the people. In this context, knowledge of Odonata fauna of a region is the first step towards conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Libellula is the property of Gesellschaft Deutschsprachiger Odonatologen e.V. 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.)

Copyright of Libellula is the property of Gesellschaft Deutschsprachiger Odonatologen e.V. 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 blue-tailed damselfly, Ischnura elegans Van der Linden, 1820 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), is a climate-sensitive indicator species in South Korea. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of I. elegans collected from South Korea for subsequent population genetic analysis, particularly to trace population movements in response to climate change. The 15,963 base pair (bp)-long complete mitogenome of I. elegans has typical sets of genes including a major non-coding region (the A+T-rich region), and an arrangement identical to that observed in ancestral insect species. The ATP6, ND3 and ND1 genes have the TTG start codon, which, although rare, is the canonical start codon for animal mitochondrial tRNA. The A/T content was 71.4% in protein-coding genes, 72.1% in tRNAs, 72.9% in the whole genome, 74.7% in srRNA, 75.3% in lrRNA, and 83.8% in the A+T-rich region. The A+T-rich region is unusually long (1,196 bp) and contains two subunits (192 bp and 176–165 bp), each of which is tandemly triplicated and surrounded by non-repeat sequences. Comparison of the sequence divergence among available mitogenomes of I. elegans, including the one from the current study, revealed ND2 as the most variable gene, followed by COII and COI, suggesting that ND2 should be targeted first in subsequent population-level studies. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on all available mitogenome sequences of Coenagrionidae showed a strong sister relationship between I. elegans and I. senegalensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France is the property of Societe Zoologique de France 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.)

Ischnura asiatica (Brauer, 1865) is a freshwater damselfly belonging to the family Coenagrionidae that is distributed across most of Korea, primarily in areas with low water flow, such as ponds and wetlands. The complete mitochondrial genome of I. asiatica was sequenced by next-generation sequencing. The circular mitochondrial genome was found to be 15,769 bp long, with of 13 protein-coding, two ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA genes (GenBank accession no. OM310774). Maximum likelihood, phylogenetic analysis showed that this species clustered with other species belonging to the family Coenagrionidae. This study contributes to the phylogeny of damselflies and other members of the family Coenagrionidae.

We conducted laboratory experiments to examine the predation effects on larvae of two Japanese native dragonfly species by the North American invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii. We put a larval individual of either Trigomphus interruptus or Coenagrionidae spp. in experimental aquaria, and after 24 hours we added an individual of P. clarkii of two different body size groups; small size group: total length (TL)＜50 mm and large size group: TL＞ 60 mm. After seven days, we observed whether the larval individuals of the dragonflies survived or not. We confirmed the severe predation on both of the two taxa of dragonfly larvae by P. clarkii. In T. interruptus, the survival rate was significantly lower compared to the control group (i.e., no crayfish) both in the small and large size groups. In Coenagrionidae spp., the survival rate of larvae in the small size group was significantly lower than the control group. In the large size group of P. clarkii, predation on the dragonfly larvae was also observed, but there was no significant difference compared to the control group. These results indicate that P. clarkii especially in small size can have a marked negative effect on dragonfly larvae through severe predation, if P. clarkii invades the habitats of dragonfly larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Libellula is the property of Gesellschaft Deutschsprachiger Odonatologen e.V. 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.)

Copyright of Libellula is the property of Gesellschaft Deutschsprachiger Odonatologen e.V. 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.)

Several studies on Philippine Odonata have focused mainly on the protected landscapes and forest reserves; however, little ecological research has been done in an urban setting. Species distribution, abundance, and diversity of Odonata in Tagum were conducted, where no previous records were available. Field sampling was conducted from July-October 2018 among various locations in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Results showed a total of 1,239 individuals of identified Odonata composing nine species of Family Libellulidae and three species of Family Coenagrionidae. The dominant and most abundant species were Pantala flavescens, Diplacodes trivialis, and Orthetrum sabina. A relatively high Margalef's Index of species richness (R = 2.148) and moderate species diversity (H'= 1.935) were recorded in Botanical Park and a less even distribution was observed in all sites. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that both temperature and humidity can affect the abundance of certain species within the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male body size is usually correlated with mating success in insects. For non‐territorial species, the small male advantage hypothesis predicts that smaller males may be favoured in sexual selection because small body size may predict agility and manoeuvrability. Consequently, selection for male size may drive the evolution of female‐biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Nevertheless, recent evidence shows that non‐territorial male damselflies that actively search for females may be larger and more agile than those that perch and wait for females to appear. Thus, here we addressed whether the male size is an indicator of male agility and if it may be used to predict male reproductive success in two non‐territorial damselflies. To this end, we conducted a field study with Acanthagrion truncatum Selys, 1876 and A. lancea Selys, 1876 (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae). Males of A. truncatum adopt a sit‐and‐wait mating strategy, while the males actively search for females in A. lancea. Hence, we expected different selective forces acting on male body size and agility in these species. We compared the body size and wing length of mated and unmated males, and between sexes, to describe their patterns of SSD. Our results suggest that wing length can be used as a proxy for male body size and agility in both species. However, we have found no evidence for the small male advantage that could explain wing dimorphism in A. truncatum, nor selection for larger males in A. lancea. In conclusion, this study corroborates other studies that suggest agility cannot explain SSD in non‐territorial damselflies and fail to support the small male advantage hypothesis. [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]

Agriocnemis femina (Brauer, 1868) and Ischnura senegalensis (Rambur, 1842) are two damselflies inhabiting paddy lands. As an intermediate predator, they play an important role in controlling certain crop pest and mosquitoes. In this study, we sequenced complete mitogenomes of these two species. The total length of mitogenomes is 15,936 bp in A. femina and 15,762 bp in I. senegalensis. Both of mitogenomes consist of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The close relationship between I. senegalensis and I. elegans was further proved by phylogenetic analysis. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated a clear two lineages in Coenagrionidae (Core and ridge-faced Coenagrionidae). Ridge-faced Coenagrionidae consisted of Megaloprepus caerulatus and Ceriagrion fallax. In core Coenagrionidae, Ischnura and Enallagma are most closely related; they formed one clade with Agriocnemis and then grouped together with Paracerion. Our study provides new genetic information for further study in phylogenetic analysis of Coenagrionidae.

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.

Basic information on life histories, ecology, and behaviour for aquatic stages in many species of insects is difficult to obtain in the field. Here, a method to breed and monitor individual Odonata larvae in captivity is proposed. In total, 3788 individuals of six Odonata species – Rhionaeschna marchali (Rambur), Erythrodiplax abjecta (Rambur), Sympetrum gilvum (Selys), Ischnura chingaza Realpe, Ischnura cruzi De Marmels, and Mesamphiagrion laterale (Selys) – were reared individually in water‐filled plastic containers, whose size was increased to fit larval growth, at ambient temperature (12–34 °C, 12 h light per day, ca. 300 lux, and ad libitum food). We tested the effects of water type (habitat water, dechlorinated tap water, and drinking water), handling method, and sex on larval developmental time and number of instars. The number of instars was calculated as the mean number of moults for the individuals that successfully emerged as adults. Life cycle length was calculated by averaging the days over individuals that completed their development until emergence. The probability of achieving the adult stage was not significantly affected by the type of water, sex, or handling method. On the other hand, the number of instars was affected by species identity, and type of water, with fewer instars in water from the natural habitat, but not affected by sex or handling method. The duration of the life cycle was bimodal in most species, and was affected by type of water, but in an idiosyncratic, species‐specific way. The methodology proposed here allows monitoring and breeding large numbers of odonate larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischnura asiatica (Brauer, 1865) is a freshwater damselfly belonging to the family Coenagrionidae that is distributed across most of Korea, primarily in areas with low water flow, such as ponds and wetlands. The complete mitochondrial genome of I. asiatica was sequenced by next-generation sequencing. The circular mitochondrial genome was found to be 15,769 bp long, with of 13 protein-coding, two ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA genes (GenBank accession no. OM310774). Maximum likelihood, phylogenetic analysis showed that this species clustered with other species belonging to the family Coenagrionidae. This study contributes to the phylogeny of damselflies and other members of the family Coenagrionidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instances of heat waves and cold snaps are becoming more frequent and of increasing duration worldwide. It is well established that short exposure to high or low-temperatures, such as during extreme weather events, often results in adaptive (acclimation/hardening) or maladaptive plastic changes in tolerance of organisms to subsequent thermal stressors. However, little information is available about how the duration of a prior stressful thermal event mediates future organismal thermal responses. Understanding durational effects of thermal conditioning can help predict ectothermic survival in response to novel extreme weather patterns.

Copyright of Algerian Journal of Arid Environment (AJAE) is the property of University of Kasdi Merbah Ouargla 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.)

Agriocnemis femina (Brauer, 1868) and Ischnura senegalensis (Rambur, 1842) are two damselflies inhabiting paddy lands. As an intermediate predator, they play an important role in controlling certain crop pest and mosquitoes. In this study, we sequenced complete mitogenomes of these two species. The total length of mitogenomes is 15,936 bp in A. femina and 15,762 bp in I. senegalensis. Both of mitogenomes consist of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The close relationship between I. senegalensis and I. elegans was further proved by phylogenetic analysis. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated a clear two lineages in Coenagrionidae (Core and ridge-faced Coenagrionidae). Ridge-faced Coenagrionidae consisted of Megaloprepus caerulatus and Ceriagrion fallax. In core Coenagrionidae, Ischnura and Enallagma are most closely related; they formed one clade with Agriocnemis and then grouped together with Paracerion. Our study provides new genetic information for further study in phylogenetic analysis of Coenagrionidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytotelm-breeding Odonata are rare: from the 6,300 known species of these charismatic freshwater organisms, only a small number of about 50 develop in phytotelmata habitats. Mainly members of the damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) are dependent on this special type of environment. The small coenagrionid Roppaneura beckeri Santos (Odonata Coenagrionidae Protoneurinae), a damselfly endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is the only known Odonata breeding in the terrestrial umbellifers of Eryngium floribundum (Cham. et Schltdl.). This is a species-specific association with a hostplant unparalleled in the order. It also is the only species within the subfamily Protoneurinae to occupy phytotelmata habitats. Here, we report on a population of R. beckeri rediscovered after 42 years and recorded for the first time from the southern Atlantic Forest from the state of Paraná. The morphology and the distribution of this species is reviewed and based on these primary data future conservation strategies are discussed. We suggest including R. beckeri as a priority species for dragonfly conservation policies due to its exclusive biological characteristics, evolutionary relevance, and occurrence in urban to peri-urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the patterns of richness, diversity and abundance of the Odonata from Santiago Dominguillo, Oaxaca is presented here. A total of 1601 specimens from six families, 26 genera and 50 species were obtained through monthly samplings of five days each. Libellulidae was the most diverse family (21 species), followed by Coenagrionidae (19), Gomphidae (4) and Calopterygidae (3). The Lestidae, Platystictidae and Aeshnidae families were the less diverse, with only one species each. Argia was the most speciose genus with 11 species, followed by Enallagma, Hetaerina, Erythrodiplax and Macrothemis with three species each and Phyllogomphoides, Brechmorhoga, Dythemis, Erythemis and Orthemis with two species each. The remaining 17 genera had one species each. Argia pipila Calvert, 1907 and Leptobasis vacillans Hagen in Selys, 1877 were recorded for the first time for the state of Oaxaca. We also analysed the temporal patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic divergence for the Santiago Dominguillo Odonata assemblage: the Shannon diversity value throughout the year was 21.07 effective species, while the Simpson diversity was 13.17. In general, the monthly phylogenetic divergence was higher than expected for taxonomic distinctness, and lesser for average taxonomic distinctness. Monthly diversity, evenness and taxonomic divergence showed significant positive correlations (from moderate to strong) with monthly precipitation values. The analysis of our results, however, indicates that an increase in rainfall not only influences the temporal diversity of species, but also the identity of supraspecific taxa that constitute those temporal assemblages, i.e. there is an increase in temporal phylogenetic divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Coenagrionid zygopteran, Marado marado n. gen. and n. sp., is described from the late Palaeocene of Maíz Gordo Formation, Jujuy province, Northwest Argentina. The new genus is characterised by wing characters such as the subnodus aligned with the base of IR2; postnodal crossveins aligned with rows of crossveins below forming several pseudo-transverse veins; only two primary antenodal crossveins Ax1 and Ax2 retained; distal discoidal vein MAb very oblique, so that the anterior side of the discoidal cell is much shorter than the posterior one; very short petiole; RP2 nearly three cells distal to subnodus; and a RP3+4 two cells (and with one crossvein to MA) basal to subnodus. This is the first fossil for South America of the well represented family Coenagrionidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Acanthagrion marinae sp. nov. (Holotype male: BRASIL, Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, UFMS, 20°29’56.26’’S - 54°36’48.43’’W, 547m, leg. M.E. Rodrigues, 03.ii.2015, collection code: VZYG437, MLP) is described and illustrated on the basis of 15 males. The new species belongs to the apicale species group by having horns on S10 and sclerotized hooks on tip of distal segment of the genital ligula. It can be easily distinguished from other species of the group by a combination of characters of the genital ligulae (presence of setae on segment two; absence of setae at flexure; distal lateral lobes of segment three absent). Notes on habitat and a modification of previous keys for the species of the apicale group are provided.

Copyright of Libellula is the property of Gesellschaft Deutschsprachiger Odonatologen e.V. 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.)

1. Damselflies often show intra‐specific colour variation, which may represent genetic polymorphism or age‐related (ontogenic) colour changes. 2. Such variation has distinct implications for the species' ecology and evolution. Colour variation in females of the damselfly Agriocnemis pygmaea was studied, which range from blue male‐like individuals (andromorphs) to those with a distinct red colour (heteromorphs). From preliminary observations, it was hypothesised that this species exhibits ontogenic colour change from heteromorph to andromorph coloration. 3. Mark–recapture experiments and egg counts of dissected females suggested that immature females are heteromorphic and gradually begin to resemble males as they attain sexual maturity. 4. Reflectance spectra of field‐caught individuals indicated that, although males are indistinguishable from andromorphs, they could be easily differentiated from heteromorphs. 5. Finally, field observations and mate choice experiments showed that males rarely attempt to mate with heteromorphic females and prefer andromorphs. Together, this study's results suggest that the observed colour variation in A. pygmaea females is ontogenic and is associated with sexual maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischnura species (Odonata) are among the most common damselflies in the world, which often exhibit female color polymorphisms. One morph, called androchrome, is similar to males in its color pattern, whereas the other morphs, generally referred to as gynochromes, exhibit female-specific colors. In several Ischnura species, the female polymorphism is heritable, although molecular and genetic mechanisms remain largely unknown. The dominant-recessive patterns of the female color morphs may differ between species. For example, androchromic females are dominant to gynochromic females in Ischnura elegans, whereas androchromic females are recessive in Ischnura senegalensis. Here we report a case of interspecific hybridization between a gynochrome female of I. elegans and a male of I. senegalensis in the laboratory. We obtained 61 hybrid adult offspring, of which all 31 females were of gynochrome morph. DNA analyses of the hybrids confirmed that nuclear DNA sequences were derived from both parent species, whereas mitochondrial DNA sequences were maternally inherited. In the hybrids, the postocular spots of female heads, the shape of male appendages, and the color of female's cerci resembled those of I. elegans, whereas the size of abdominal blue spots was similar to that of I. senegalensis. The shape of prothorax and basal abdominal markings were intermediate in females. The larval developmental traits and the morphological changes in the final larval instar of the hybrids were similar to those of I. senegalensis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hybrids between two damselfly species with different dominant-recessive patterns of female color morphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instances of heat waves and cold snaps are becoming more frequent and of increasing duration worldwide. It is well established that short exposure to high or low-temperatures, such as during extreme weather events, often results in adaptive (acclimation/hardening) or maladaptive plastic changes in tolerance of organisms to subsequent thermal stressors. However, little information is available about how the duration of a prior stressful thermal event mediates future organismal thermal responses. Understanding durational effects of thermal conditioning can help predict ectothermic survival in response to novel extreme weather patterns. We assessed the effect of stressful temperature duration on tolerance to subsequent cold exposure in a widespread freshwater invertebrate species in Britain. Following a week-long acclimation period at 15°C, wild-caught blue-tailed damselfly Ischnura elegans larvae were held at stressful thermal extreme (2°C or 30°C) temperatures for varying durations designed to mimic a range of extreme to plausible durations of heat waves or cold snaps in the wild (30 min, 2 h, or 24 h). After a period of re-equilibration to ambient temperatures (15°C), we then experimentally assessed CTmin, the temperature which renders an individual unresponsive, as an index of cold tolerance. Prior exposure to 2°C, simulating a cold snap, improved future cold tolerance, but only when individuals experienced very brief prior exposures to these conditions (30 min up to 2 h), and this benefit was lost following 24 h prior exposure. Prior exposure to 30°C, simulating a heat wave, consistently worsened the subsequent cold tolerance of individuals, with the detrimental effect of prior heat exposure increasing linearly as a function of duration. The research indicates that cold snaps can provide beneficial hardening effects against future cold exposures, but only when these (priming) extreme weather events are of very short duration (here, 30 min or 2 h). Longer durations of exposure to either extreme heat or cold weather events can reduce the ability of individuals to beneficially react to subsequent cold stresses, and may have deleterious effects on future thermal tolerance. The results suggest that increasing durations of extreme temperature events will reduce cold hardening ability of freshwater invertebrates, and that the duration of extreme weather events, or durational changes in freshwater thermal regimes resulting from changes in snowmelt dynamics, is an important parameter to consider when studying organismal responses to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceriagrion fallax is ubiquitous in south China and is particularly easy be found in some rice fields. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of C. fallax. This mitogenome was 15,350 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and two ribosomal RNA unit genes (rRNAs). The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was biased toward A and T, with 74.0% of A + T content (A 42.1%, T 31.9%, C 14.6%, G 11.4%). Gene order was conserved and identical to most other previously sequenced Zygoptera dragonflies. Most PCGs of C. fallax have the conventional start codons ATN (seven ATG, two ATT, and two ATC), with the exception of nad3 and nad1 (TTG). Except for four PCGs (cox1, cox2, cox3, and nad5) end with the incomplete stop codon T––, all other PCGs terminated with the stop codon TAA. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. fallax got together with the same family species (Agriocnemis femina, Enallagma cyathigerum, Ischnura elegans, Ischnura pumilio) with high support value. The relationships (Megapodagrionidae + ((Calopterygidae + (Euphaeidae + Pseudolestidae)) + (Coenagrionidae + Platycnemididae))) were supported within Zygoptera.

Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae are the most dominant families among dragonflies and damselflies. The present study deals with the diversity, occurrence and present status of libellulids and coenagrionids within the Regional Institute of Education Campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India (RIEC). The major objectives of this study are to prepare a preliminary checklist of libellulids and coenagrionids species in the RIEC and to find out the status and distribution of genera and species in their respective families. This study is also aimed at systematic planning for developing different strategies for conservation of odonates in the campus. During this study a total of 24 species have been recorded out of which 20 species belong to the family Libellulidae representing 15 genera and four species belong to the family Coenagrionidae representing four genera. The findings of this study are based on the survey which was carried out for a period of four months in 2015.

Copyright of Libellula is the property of Gesellschaft Deutschsprachiger Odonatologen e.V. 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 Odonata order gathers the know insects popularly as dragonflies. These organisms perform importante environmental services in ecosystems associated with freshwater aquatic environments and in trophic chains. Different field odonata sampling methods exist, such as active search, light traps and malaise, however, there is little information on the use of colored trays for this taxon, already used for other groups of insects. In this sense the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of Odonata sampling by colored trays. The study was conducted in woods and field areas associated with lentic and lotic freshwater environments on the school farmr of Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sul de Minas Gerais, Campus Inconfidentes, Campus Inconfidentes, in November 2017, February and March 2018, using white, blue, red and yellow trays for a total of 300 hours of trap sampling effort. Were collected 76 specimens of eight species and two families of Odonata. The blue trays were more efficient than the others for collecting odonata. Although the efficiency of the active search for dragonfly studies, this study indicates the color trays for sampling these insects, be it for its efficiency, low cost and ease of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceriagrion chromothorax sp. nov. is described from Western Ghats, India, based on six males and one female collected from Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study recorded a total of 45 species of Odonata, of which one species, Ischnura mildredae, was recorded for the first time from West Bengal in India. Thirty-eight species were found in Tamluk Municipality as compared to 21 species in Haldia Industrial Belt (IB), with 14 species common to both the localides. Index of similarity revealed that the two localides were slightly dissimilar in odonate faunal composidon as only 47% of species were shared. In both the localides, Anisoptera was more abundant, comprising over 69% of the total odonates. Libellulidae was the most abundant Anisopteran family in both the localides, comprising over 66% of the total odonates. Coenagrionidae was the most abundant Zygopteran family in both the localides. Thirteen species of Anisoptera and 11 species of Zygoptera were found only in Tamluk whereas two species of Anisoptera and five species of Zygoptera were found only in Haldia IB. Crocothemis servilia, Pantala flavescens, and Ceriagrion coromandelianum were the dominant species in Tamluk while Brachythemis contaminata and Orthetrum sabina were the dominant species in Haldia IB. Based on the values of Shannon index, Tamluk was considered unpolluted (=3.16) and Haldia IB moderately polluted (=2.43). Higher equitability index (J=0.87) and very low dominance index (0.06) in Tamluk indicated homogeneity in community composidon and reladvely stress-free equitable environment. The present invesdgadon suggests that Odonata can be used as bioindicators of industrial polludon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non‐consumptive predator effect may incur physiological costs that affect growth and development and ultimately survival. While studies have shown that the effect can affect development and growth in organisms with complex life cycles, we have limited knowledge on the effect in the egg and early larval stage.Here, we used a laboratory experiment to examine how the presence of chemical cues, a non‐consumptive predator effect, from an aquatic predator, perch, affected hatching success of larvae in three species of damselfly, Ischnura elegans, Coenagrion pulchellum, and Enallagma cyathigerum. In addition, we examined how exposure to predation risk in the early larval stages affected growth in the late larval stages of I. elegans.We found that the presence of chemical predator cues (1) increased egg mortality in all three species, (2) caused earlier hatching of eggs in one species, no change in a second species and a delay in egg hatching in a third species. We also found that predator cues have the potential to cause a carryover effect from early larval stages to late larval stages in terms of larval growth rate.The addition of non‐consumptive predator cues in the form of fish water caused higher algal growth than in the control experimental containers, and we suggest that this algal growth has the potential to confound predator stress cues.Our results show that the non‐consumptive predator effects affect survival and growth, and hence they have the potential to affect predator–prey dynamics in natural systems. Future studies on such effects in aquatic systems should consider confounding stressors, such as algae, fungi, oxygen, and nutrients levels, that might come with the addition of predation cues in water and thus add additional stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining how niche differences contribute to local species coexistence is a vexing problem. Previous work has shown that the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping niche differentiation can vary among populations, suggesting that the strength of niche differences among species should likewise vary geographically. Most tests of this idea compare different species in different locations, not the same species in different locations. Thus, it is unclear whether niche differences vary spatially because of variation in community composition or because populations of the same species experience differences in the strength of niche effects. To test this latter hypothesis, we used field experiments to manipulate the relative abundances of the same pair of Enallagma damselfly species at two lakes. Manipulating relative abundances allowed us to quantify the demographic signature of niche differences that could stabilize coexistence, because if species are niche differentiated, they should experience lower mortality in response to their shared fish predator, and higher growth in the face of resource competition, when rare. We found that both species experienced lower mortality when rare in one location but not the other. No differences in growth were detected, indicating that competition for prey resources may not be a key factor affecting coexistence. These results suggest the species are ecologically differentiated among populations in ways shaping survivorship in response to a shared predator, which should promote their coexistence. We discuss several factors that could contribute to the differences we observed, focusing on the ideas that either (1) niche differentiation between species evolves locally, or that (2) spatial variation in environmental factors affects the manifestation of species niche differences. We therefore argue that the problem of 'species coexistence' is not a problem of species, but rather is one of understanding if species' populations coexist. Such results imply a role for microevolutionary processes in structuring communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive autotomy is the self-amputation of an appendage in response to external stimuli that benefits survival. Variation in the ease of appendage removal among populations suggests that autotomy performance is under selection, evolves, or is phenotypically plastic, although the latter has never been experimentally tested. We model an autotomy threshold that optimally balances how the benefits of surviving predator attack versus the costs of losing an appendage vary with predator presence. We test for functional plasticity in autotomy threshold in the caudal lamellae of Enallagma damselfly larvae by experimentally manipulating non-lethal cues from predatory dragonfly larvae. Predator cues lead to functional plastic responses in the form of smaller lamellar joints that required lower peak breaking force. This is the first experimental demonstration of functional plasticity in autotomy to cues from a grasping predator, a novel form of indirect predator effects on prey, realized through plasticity in morphological traits that govern the autotomy threshold. This supports the model of optimized autotomy performance and provides a novel explanation for variation in performance among populations under different predator conditions. Plastic autotomy responses that mitigate costs in the face of variation in mortality risks might be a form of inducible defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) are widely distributed among freshwater ecosystems of tropical and temperate environments. They are also particularly sensitive to anthropogenic changes. The objective of this study was to inventory the odonate fauna of a section of the Sucupira Reservoir on Rio Uberabinha, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to document the species composition of the odonate fauna during the dry and rainy seasons. The study also aimed to describe the distribution of the sampled species in Brazilian states. Sampling took place in August and September of 2017 (dry season) and in February and March of 2018 (rainy season), and recorded 860 individuals of 43 species belonging to 26 genera and six families. Six new records representing the families Gomphidae, Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae were recorded for the state of Minas Gerais. Seventeen species were collected only during the rainy season and eight only during the dry season, while 18 species were found in both seasons. The rainy season had greater abundance, with four times as many individuals as the dry season. This study increases the number of records for Odonata in the Minas Gerais state, and reinforces the trend for greater predominance of this group during the rainy season in this biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]