Odonata

Odonata of Curaçao, southern Caribbean, with an update to the fauna of the ABC islands

A three-year field study (January 2011–December 2013) of the Odonata of Curaçao, supported by photos and exuvial collections, recorded a total of 21 species from the island, almost doubling its previously known fauna. The lists of Odonata known from Aruba and Bonaire were also updated by specimen and photo records, and 24 species are now known from these three islands. During the period of the study, odonates decreased in abundance and diversity in Curaçao, apparently because heavy rains just before the study began led to colonization of the island by several nonresident species that subsequently declined and disappeared as wetlands diminished during a period with normal rainfall.

 

Date
2014
Data type
Scientific article
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao