Study on the abundance and diversity of dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

A study on the abundance, species richness and diversity of Odonate fauna in and around Corbett Tiger Reserve was conducted during 2013-2015. A total of 420 individuals of Odonates belonging to 4 families and 19 species under two suborders were recorded during the entire study period. Suborder Anisoptera was represented by family Libellulidae and suborder Zygoptera was represented by the families Coenagrionidae, Chlorocyphidae and Calopterygidae. Libellulidae was the most dominant family with 15 species constituting 92.14% of the total recorded individuals of Odonates followed by Coenagrionidae with 2 species and constituting 6.19% of the total recorded individuals, Calopterygidae and Chlorocyphidae (1 species each), respectively. Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum Rambur was the most abundant species constituting 29.76% of the total number of individuals of Odonates followed by Aethriamanta brevipennis Rambur (14.52%), Orthetrum glaucum (Brauer) (12.62%) and Crocothemis s. servilia (Drury) (8.80%), respectively. On the other hand, Rhinocypha f. fenestrella Rambur, Palpopleura s. sexmaculata (Fabricius) and Palpopleura sp. were recorded less abundant species during the entire study period. Maximum number of species and individuals of Odonates were recorded during rainy season followed by summer and winter. Similarly, maximum values of species diversity were recorded during the rainy season followed by summer and winter.