Taxonomic note on the species status of Epiophlebia diana (Insecta, Odonata, Epiophlebiidae), including remarks on biogeography and possible species distribution

Abstract

The species included in the genus Epiophlebia Calvert, 1903 represent an exception within Recent lineages – they do not belong to either dragonflies (Anisoptera) nor damselflies (Zygoptera). Nowadays, the genus is solely known from the Asian continent. Due to their stenoecious lifestyle, representatives of Epiophlebia are found in often very small relict populations in Nepal, Bhutan, India, Vietnam, China, North Korea, and Japan. We here present a taxonomic re-evaluation on the species status of Epiophlebia diana Carle, 2012, known from the Sichuan province in China, supplemented with a morphological character mapping on a genetic tree to highlight synapomorphies of E. diana and E. laidlawi Tillyard, 1921. We conclude that E. diana is a junior synonym of E. laidlawi. Furthermore, we discuss the Recent distribution of the group, allowing for predictions of new habitats of representatives of this group.