Odonata (Insecta) diversity of southern Gujarat, India

Abstract

The diversity of the Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) was studied in seven districts of southern area of Gujarat State in India during 2014 to 2015. A total of 55 species belonging to two suborders and 37 genera under eight families were recorded. A total of 18 species of Zygoptera (damselflies) and 37 species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) were recorded. Dang and Navsari districts were surveyed intensively and a maximum of 47 and 35 species were recorded respectively, whereas the districts that were surveyed less intensively, i.e., Bharuch (26), Valsad (21), Surat (29), Narmada (25) and Tapi (27) had comparatively low species richness. Thirty-two species are being reported for the first time from southern Gujarat, raising the total list of odonates to 60. Fifteen species namely, Lestes elatus Hagen in Selys, 1862; Elattoneura nigerrima (Laidlaw, 1917); Dysphaea ethela Fraser, 1924; Paracercion malayanum (Selys, 1876); Pseudagrion spencei Fraser, 1922; Burmagomphus laidlawi- Fraser, 1924; Cyclogomphus ypsilon Selys, 1854; Microgomphus torquatus (Selys, 1854); Onychogomphus acinaces (Laidlaw, 1922); Hylaeothemis indica Fraser, 1946; Lathrecista asiatica (Fabricius, 1798); Rhodothemis rufa (Rambur, 1842); Tramea limbata (Desjardins, 1832); Trithemis kirbyi Selys, 1891 and Zyxomma petiolatum Rambur, 1842 are recorded for the first time from Gujarat State raising the number of odonates of Gujarat State to 80 species.

Keywords

• Damselflies
• diversity
• Dragonflies
• Odonates
• southern Gujarat
• Western Ghats