Notes on the phenology of dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) in the Aras River Valley of Türkiye

By

Kitel, Denis
Kittelberger, Kyle
Ağirkaya, Kayahan
Tutar, Gul
Șekercioğlu, Çağan H.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024-12-12

Original Publication

Caucasiana : journal on the biodiversity of the Caucasus and the adjacent regions

Volume

3

Pages

281--294

Subjects

Anisoptera , Aras , flight period , odonate , wetland , Zygoptera

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

[Sofia, Bulgaria] Pensoft 2022-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/caucasiana.3.e139879

 

Abstract

A check-list of Odonata found at Aras River Valley in Kars and Iğdır provinces of Türkiye is published for the first time, representing 38 species. The abundance of species from March to November is noted by month, with the phenology of the flight period indicated. Summer months host the highest number of species, up to 28 in June. We provide a complete phenology for the imago (adult) presence in the area for 22 species, from their emergence to their disappearance at the end of their flight period and life cycle. Short notes regarding selected species which are either rare in the region or have international protection status are also provided. This study shows that the Aras River Valley is an important place for Odonata, especially Onychogomphus flexuosus and Libellula pontica, species which are classified as “Vulnerable” and “Near Threatened”, respectively, in the present IUCN Red List of threatened species.