Isotope evidence for latitudinal migrations of the dragonfly Sympetrum fonscolombii (Odonata: Libellulidae) in Middle Asia

Abstract

1. Sympetrum fonscolombii dragonflies are believed to migrate seasonally. In the spring and early summer, the already-mature dragonflies arrive in Middle Asia for reproduction. In the late summer and autumn, summer-generation dragonflies migrate to the south. Their wintering places remain unknown. 2. Stable hydrogen (δ 2 H) and oxygen (δ 18 O) isotope analyses were conducted to confirm the migration of S. fonscolombii and determine the wintering area. Stable isotope composition of carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) in wings and legs was used to clarify the habitats in which dragonfly development took place. 3. Three cohorts of dragonflies collected in different regions of Middle Asia were used for analysis: (i) immigrants that arrived in the spring, (ii) residents that developed in Middle Asia, and (iii) transit dragonflies migrating to the south during autumn. 4. The average δ 2 H values in the wings were significantly higher in immigrants (−96‰) than in residents (−134‰) and transit individuals (−124‰). High δ 18 O and δ 15 N values in the tissue of immigrants confirmed their southerly origin. 5. Based on the species range and the global distribution of annual averages of δ 2 H and δ 18 O values in precipitation, the latitudinal migrations of S. fonscolombii were inferred to cover the area from the proposed natal regions of immigrants in SouthWest Asia (below ∼36 ∘ N) to Southern Ural and the south of Western Siberia in the north (54-55 ∘ N) with a maximum migration distance of more than 4000 km.

Northern limits of distribution and migration strategy of the dragonfly Sympetrum fonscolombii (Selys, 1840) (Odonata, Libellulidae) in Russia

“…Where possible, it is illustrated with photos, by which the physiological age and status of dragonflies (immigrants or aboriginal individuals of the summer generation) can be approximately identified. Old individuals of S. fonscolombii, existing for a long time in imaginal phase, are different in colors from «post-teneral» individuals [Borisov et al, 2020], as explained below. Where possible, the physiological state of dragonflies is indicated below according to Ph.…”

“…The absence of this species at the southern edge of Eastern Siberia (for almost 3 thousand km) can be explained in general by its rarity in the eastern part of Asia. The species occurs on this continent locally from ca 80° E [Kalkman, Bogdanovic, 2015;Borisov et al, 2020]. For instance, in Mongolia this species is known only in one place -Lake Ubsu-Nur [Belyshev, Doshidordzi, 1958].…”

“…The range of this species covers the Afro-Eurasian region, but its distribution is extremely uneven. This species is most numerous in Mediterranean, South-West and Central Asia [Kalkman, Bogdanovic, 2015;Borisov et al, 2020].…”

“…In autumn, the descendants of immigrants make return migrations southward [Borisov, 2011[Borisov, , 2015. The migration area covers the regions of South-West Asia, Middle Asia and Kazakhstan [Borisov et al, 2020]. In Russia, S. fonscolombii is Northern limits of distribution and migration strategy of the dragonfly Sympetrum fonscolombii common in the southern regions of the European part north to about 45° N. In recent years, its penetration to the north has been traced.…”

Seasonal Migrations of Pantala flavescens (Odonata: Libellulidae) in Middle Asia and Understanding of the Migration Model in the Afro-Asian Region Using Stable Isotopes of Hydrogen

“…This method has been used in the study of dragonflies, including migrations of Anax junius (Drury) in North America [ 14 , 17 ] and migrations of P. flavescens in northern China [ 18 ] and the Maldives [ 9 ]. We also used this method in the study of Sympetrum fonscolombii (Selys) and proved seasonal latitudinal migrations of this species in Middle Asia [ 19 ].…”