Diversity and abundance of damselflies from Kumbhoj lake, Hatkangale taluka from Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Abstract

The order Odonata encompasses damselflies (Suborder: Zygoptera), which are thin-bodied, weak-flying insects that are closely related to freshwater environments and renowned for their environmental sensitivity. Their prevalence indicates that the water is of high quality, making them important bioindicators. A comprehensive study on the abundance and diversity of damselfly fauna (Zygoptera) was conducted at Kumbhoj Lake, Hatkanangale, Maharashtra, from June, 2024 to May, 2025. A total of 11 species belongs to 7 genera and 3 families Coenagrionidae, Platycnemididae, and Chlorocyphidae were recorded during the study period. Among these, the family Coenagrionidae was found to be the most dominant, comprising 7 species, indicating its ecological adaptability to the lake environment. The family Chlorocyphidae was represented by a single species. Pseudagrion rubriceps, while Agriocnemis pygmaea was identified as the most abundant species, occurring frequently across seasons. The study reveals significant seasonal variation in both diversity and abundance, with peak richness observed during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. These fluctuations are closely associated with ecological parameters such as water availability, temperature, and aquatic vegetation. The findings underscore the importance of Kumbhoj Lake as an ideal habitat for damselflies and highlight the value of seasonal monitoring in assessing the health of freshwater ecosystems.