Distribution patterns of dragonflies: State of knowledge in the neotropical region

VON ELLENRIEDER, N.

Xalapa, Mexico

Congreso; 6th WDA International Congress of Odonatology; 2009

Instituto de Ecologia, UNAM y WDA

The Neotropical region is the richest in Odonata housing almost a third of the world´s total number of described species. The state of knowledge of the taxonomy of the order, literature, researchers, and collections in the region is summarized, and information from an existing database is outlined. During the last five years 93 new species and 11 new genera, and the larval stage of 90 species have been described from this region, and several revisions and identification guides have been published. The existing database currently contains over 15,500 entries including 1,150 species, which represent 66% of the described species for this area. It includes complete distributional data for a third of the total number of its described species. From these, 70% are known from 10 or less localities, and only a few are widely distributed. Steps needed to complete the database are discussed. 500 entries including 1,150 species, which represent 66% of the described species for this area. It includes complete distributional data for a third of the total number of its described species. From these, 70% are known from 10 or less localities, and only a few are widely distributed. Steps needed to complete the database are discussed.