First survey of the dragonfly fauna (Insecta, Odonata) of northwestern Bosnia

Abstract

The results of the first study of the dragonfly fauna in northwest Bosnia are presented. Field surveys were conducted in summer 2012 and 2013, resulting in the identification of 36 species. Out of these, 34 are new for the region. The present paper gives a detailed overview of the results and a comparison of the dragonfly fauna composition of the region studied with the neighboring areas within Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia is made. The most abundant species were: Calopteryx virgo (Linnaeus, 1758), Sympetrum sanguineum (Müller, 1764), Onychogomphus forcipatus (Linnaeus,1758), Somatochlora meridionalis Nielsen, 1935, Calopteryx splendens (Harris, 1782 and Platycnemis pennipes (Pallas, 1771). Noteworthy are the records of Chalcolestes viridis (Vander Linden, 1825) and Coenagrion scitulum (Rambur, 1842), two species that are rare in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also Coenagrion ornatum (Selys, 1850) and Cordulegaster heros Theischinger, 1979, species of European conservation concern. Distribution and the status of these species and the conservation of dragonfly species in the country are briefly discussed. The data collected represent an important contribution to the knowledge of the dragonfly fauna of the Una River basin and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Distribution, habitat requirements, and vulnerability of Caliaeschna microstigma at the north-western edge of its range (Odonata: Aeshnidae)

“…The analyses of favoured habitat type, altitudinal distribution, and threats were based on new data presented here (Appendix 1), together with previously published data Pongracz 1914;Adamović 1948;Kemp 1989;Jović et al 2008;Gligorović et al 2010;Kulijer et al 2012;De Knijf et al 2013;Kovács & Murányi 2013; cf. Appendix 2).…”

“…In Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia, the species reaches the north-western extremity of its distribution. So far, data from this area was relatively scarce ( i.e ., 28 published localities: Bartenev 1912; Pongracz 1914; Adamović 1948; Kemp 1989; Belančić et al 2008; Jović et al 2008; Gligorović et al 2010; Kulijer et al 2012, 2013; Kulijer 2014; De Knijf et al 2013; Kovács & Murányi 2013; Pešić et al 2017), suggesting the species was rare in the western Balkans. With 107 newly recorded localities, the number of known localities where the species currently occurs has risen to 135.…”

“…1: MR; Čapljina village, stream at Grabovine: small side tributary stream of the Trebižat river (43°06' 31" N, 17°41'04" E, 20 m a.s.l. ); 14-v-2013; (Kulijer et al 2012);14-v-201314-v- , 28-vi-201314-v- (Kulijer 2014; threats: water extraction Loc. 5: MR; Ljubuški town, Studenci, Vakuf stream (43°10'47" N, 17°36'26" E, 41 m a.s.l.…”

“…Despite increased interest in Odonata research in the western Balkans during the last two decades ( e.g ., Bogdanović et al 2008; Gligorović et al 2010; Kulijer et al 2012, 2013; Kulijer 2014; De Knijf et al 2013; Vilenica & Dijkstra 2014; Vilenica et al 2011, 2016a; Štih et al 2015; Vinko & Vilenica 2013; Vinko et al 2020), the region is still rather poorly explored compared to West and Central Europe. Information about range, population size, and trends is for many species still insufficient.…”

“…In Europe, its distribution is restricted to the Balkans, the Aegean islands, and Cyprus (Kalkman & Jović 2015). Prior to our fieldwork, 14 localities were known for Bosnia & Herzegovina (Adamović 1948;Kulijer et al 2012;) and 13 for Montenegro Pongracz 1914;Adamović 1948;Kemp 1989;Jović et al 2008;Gligorović et al 2010;De Knijf et al 2013). The first and up to now only locality with detailed information from Croatia was published by Kovács & Murányi (2013).…”