Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

DIVERSITY OF ODONATA FAUNA IN LENTIC AND LOTIC ECOSYSTEM IN RAIGARH DISTRICT OF CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

R. Sahu and R.K. Rai

Abstract

From December 2021 to November 2022, survey was conducted on the diversity of Odonates revealed a total of 42 species, which were collected from the study area of Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh state in India. These include 23 species under three families of Anisoptera and 19 species under 5 families of Zygoptera were recorded in both lentic and lotic sites of the selected research area. 4 species were recorded only in lentic site whereas 6 species reported only in lotic site. 32 species were commonly found in both sites. The most abundant Anisoptera species in both the lentic and the lotic systems was Diplocodes trivilis. Among the Zygoptera, the most abundant species in the lentic system was Ceriagrion coromandelianum and Ischnura aurora in the lotic system. Libellulidae was the most common species observed in all sites and family Coenogrionidae was prevalently observed in and around the pond ecosystem. Darners, Clubtail and Spreadwings were also pond-preferring species. Stream gliders and Darts were frequently seen in lotic ecosystem. The Shannon-Weiner index(H’) was 3.315 in lentic system and 3.249 in lotic system. Species richness or Margalef’s richness (DMg) index was found to be 5.700 in lentic and 6.14 in lotic system. The Jaccard’s similarity index (Cj) was 0.808 between lentic and lotic systems. In the lentic ecosystem rich species diversity of Dragonflies was present whereas in the lotic ecosystem Damselflies were dominant. Different environmental factors affected Odonates diversely in lentic and lotic systems.