Geo&Bio (Dec 2023)
Dragonflies of Moldova: an updated checklist of the Odonata fauna
Abstract
The present research compiles all known records of dragonflies in Moldova, including Transnistria (from the beginning of the 20th century until present), based on all known literature and other sources, and also the personal observations of the author in 2005, 2009, and 2011. Brief history of Moldovan odonatology is given with the gap of more than 50 years of odonatological studies in Moldova in the middle of the last century. The analysis shows that the checklist of Odonata in Moldova comprises 37 species. The presence of several species in Moldova needs confirmation. The probable absence of Nehalennia speciosa in the territory of Moldova is discussed in the article based on the opinion of other authors and the lack of favourable habitats in the area. The map presented illustrates the areas in Moldova with the lack of data on the presence of dragonflies. This elucidated the understudied regions. Unfortunately, some records from the literature sources are given without any coordinates, so they could not be mapped. This analysis will help in planning further research into dragonflies of Moldova. Moldova still remains poorly studied from an odonatological point of view. Further investigations will undoubtedly fill in the ‘white spots’ on the distribution of species in the territory of Moldova and will help in the development of modern recommendations of habitat protection, underline urgent conservation measures in the country and highlight priority species. We expect that 10 to 20 species of dragonflies remain to be discovered in Moldova. Also, field research in different phenological periods will presumably help to add some new species. The data about dragonflies of Moldova were amended after three field trips of the author in 2005 (the area near Saharna) and in 2009 and 2011 (the route covered the territory of Moldova from south to north). Based on the author’s field research, three species of dragonflies are listed for the first time for the territory of Moldova: Lestes macrostigma, Coenagrion ornatum, and Orthetrum brunneum. For one species, Coenagrion scitulum, the exact locations are given for the first time by the author. The presence of the species of European concern in Moldova include Lestes macrostigma and Coenagrion ornatum, and Gomhus flavipes might be considered as well by odonatologists from the neighbouring countries.
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