Global species richness of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata): latitudinal trends and insular colonization.

ABSTRACT: Odonates are mainly "sun lover" insects, and therefore reach maximum diversity in tropical regions, particularly in rainforests. Here, worldwide patterns of species richness of the order are analysed, by compiling a database of species numbers for 255 continental regions and 243 islands. Area, distance to continents and elevation for all islands were estimated, and their effect analysed on odonate species richness by means of linear models. As expected, a clear effect of latitude and insularity on the species richness of Odonates was found, with a maximum of  550 species in the equator for continental areas but only  200 species in islands. In islands, latitude, area and distance to the continent clearly affect species richness, but elevation had no significant effect. The continental coun

SUBMITTER: Cordero-Rivera A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12445290 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature