The “helicopter damselflies” of Mexico (Odonata: Coenagrionidae: Pseudostigmatinae): Diversity, distribution and natural history

Authors

  • M.C. Enrique González Soriano Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
  • Héctor Ortega-Salas Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32870/dugesiana.v32i2.7381

Keywords:

Mecistogaster, Megaloprepus, new records, Odonata, phytotelmata, Pseudostigma

Abstract

The “helicopter damselflies” comprise a group of zygopterans characterized by their large size and with unique life history traits. Current molecular studies of the suborder Zygoptera place them as a subfamily within the large group of Coenagrionidae. Mexico hosts three of the six recognized genera of helicopter damselflies in America: Mecistogaster, Megaloprepus and Pseudostigma. Among its members some of the largest odonates in the world are included. Most species occur in humid tropical forests (including montane mesophytic forest), with the exception of Mecistogaster ornata Rambur, 1842 which has colonized and apparently successfully adapted to both humid and dry tropical forests. As far as is known, the naiads of these species are exclusive phytotelmata inhabitants, living in bromeliads, bamboo nodes and in water stored at tree holes. Some of its species are considered indicators of tropical forest disturbance in the Americas. Notes on the diversity, current distribution and natural history of Mexican helicopter damselflies are presented with a key to separate the species of the group.

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Published

2025-07-01

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 2 (2025): DUGESIANA

Section

Artículos

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  3. Authors are encouraged and encouraged to disseminate their work through the Internet (eg in institutional telematic files or on their web page) before and during the sending process, which can produce interesting exchanges and increase appointments Of the published work. (See The effect of open access).