Diversity and abundance of Odonata fauna in Midnapore and Surrounding areas, West Midnapore, West Bengal

Abstract

A study was conducted on the status and diversity of Odonata (Dragonfly and damselfly) fauna in Midnapore, West Bengal and associated areas in various natural and anthropological habitats from June 2013 to July 2015. Forty-one species of odonates belonging to the 29 Genera and 6 Families were recorded from the study area during study period. Suborder Zygoptera was represented by 2 families and Suborder Anisoptera represented 4 families. Among them 29 species were dragonflies under the families; Aeshnidae, Gomphidae, Libellulidae and Macromiidae whereas the other 12 species were damselflies under 2 families; Coenagrionidae, Platycnemididae. Species composition was highest in the family Libellulidae (56%) followed by the family Coenagrionidae (22%). Their status has been assessed in that study area. Species have been classified based on their relative estimate of abundance. Such studies on monitoring the species diversity and abundance can give valuable information and insight on the population status of Odonates.