A major challenge in evolutionary biology concerns how genetic and phenotypic variation is created and maintained. In this study, we investigated the origin(s) and evolutionary patterns of the female-limited colour polymorphism in Ischnura. This involves the presence of one to three colour morphs: one androchrome morph with coloration that resembles that of the male, and two gynochrome morphs (infuscans and aurantiaca) with a female-specific coloration. We documented the colour of 44 and mating system of 36 of the 76 species within Ischnura to investigate the ancestral state of both traits and the correlated evolution and to infer directionality of trait-state transitions. The ancestral state reconstructions suggest that the most recent common ancestor of the ischnuran damselflies was most likely polymorphic and polyandrous. Our results give some support to the evolutionary correlation between female-limited colour polymorphism and mating system in Ischnura. That correlation is consistent with the idea that sexual selection through sexual conflict over the frequency of matings has selected for polymorphic females to reduce the overall intensity of male mating harassment, and our finding that the same phenotypic morphs have evolved multiple times (convergent evolution) suggests that several species in this genus might be experiencing similar selective pressures. 

The evolutionary history of colour polymorphism in Ischnura damselflies (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Central Iran has been faced with deterioration of water quality and quantity, but yet the biodiversity of freshwater-associated insects in this area remains uncertain and without this information the development of conservation strategies is not possible. Here we explore Odonata diversity patterns and species assemblages in three terrestrial ecoregions of Central Iran. We used the first three Hill numbers and phylogenetic generalizations of these indices to compare the species diversity between the ecoregions. To compare Odonata species composition a PERMANOVA analysis was performed. Alpha-diversity of each water body was estimated by Hill numbers, taxonomic diversity, taxonomic distinctness and average taxonomic distinctness. The effects of habitat and environmental factors on Odonata diversity indices were modelled using a linear mixed model. About 42% of all Odonata that have been reported in Iran were found during this study. Species richness in the Desert and Steppe ecoregions were almost equal, the same pattern was observed for phylogenetic diversity indices. The Steppe ecoregion also had significantly different Odonata assemblage. Results of the linear mixed model showed that environmental factors have different effects on different diversity indices. Additionally different diversity indices resulted in different outcomes when comparing ecoregions, demonstrating that single measure cannot precisely assess the properties of an assemblage’s diversity. The high diversity of Odonata observed in such an arid environment shows the importance of man-made water bodies, as well as the necessity of preparing a conservation plan for these ecosystems.

Odonata diversity and species assemblages in the Northwest Central Plateau of Iran

Enallagma cyathigerum var. rotundatum Bartenef, 1929, Leucorrhinia circassica Bartenef, 1929, and Aeschna juncea var. atshischgho Bartenef, 1929, were described by A.N. Bartenev (= Bartenef) in three papers published in 1929 and 1930. Their type locality was the same highland lake group near Krasnaya Polyana Town in West Caucasus, Russia, presently known as the Khmelevskie Lakes. Their type series most probably no longer exist. Topotypes of the two former taxa obtained in 2008 and 2013, respectively, were examined as well as a specimen supposedly of the third taxon, collected 36 km from the type locality. Based on these specimens, E. cyathigerum rotundatum is concluded to be a valid subspecies and the senior subjective synonym of Enallagma risi Schmidt, 1961, and L. circassica to be a junior subjective synonym of Leucorrhinia dubia (Vander Linden, 1825). The status of A. juncea atshischgho remains unresolved. Re-evaluation of available knowledge of the Palaearctic Enallagma spp. suggested downgrading Enallagma deserti (Selys, 1879) to the subspecies, E. cyathigerum deserti. 

Reconsideration of three Odonata taxa described by A.N. Bartenev from the same place in West Caucasus

Chironomidae (Diptera: Insecta) of Qeshlagh River, Kurdistan: DNA and morphology reveal new genus, species, and faunistic records for Iran

Based on numerous records of Orthetrum ransonnetii from south-eastern Arabia, the Middle East, the Maghreb and the Canary Islands in recent decades, the range of this species is characterised in relation to climate and habitat parameters. The species is mostly found in hot, arid, rocky environments. Its flight period extends year-round, with an apparent bivoltine cycle at lower elevations and in the southernmost part of its range. The range of its known distribution in certain areas, particularly in the mountains of central and western Morocco, is extended. There it was met with, sometimes as permanent reproductive populations, on the northern slopes of the Moroccan High Atlas, a montane area with a heavy winter snow cover, distinct from most of its previously known Saharo-Arabian-Iranian habitats. The absence of earlier records in some regions may be attributable to both difficulties in identification and confusion with the more common and widespread O. chrysostigma and O. brunneum and also with O. brevistylum and O. taeniolatum, with which O. ransonnetii is sympatric in Central Sahara and part of Southwest Asia, respectively. Field identification criteria and the unique behaviour of the species are described. The combination of black antenodal subcostal cross-veins in dorsal view and fully hyaline hind wings is sufficient to differentiate O. ransonnetii from all other Orthetrum in the Palaearctic area. The species can be distinguished in the field from sympatric congeners, particularly O. chrysostigma, if good views or photographs are available, on the basis of several readily observable visual characteristics. The identification of the exuviae is difficult but O. ransonnetii is unique among its known West Palaearctic congeners in having more than 10 setae (instead of 3 to 8) at the base of the movable hook on each labial palp of the prementum. 

Range, distribution, field identification, behaviour and exuvia description of Orthetrum ransonnetii (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Coenagrion persicum was described by Heinrich Lohmann in 1993 on the basis of a single male and two larvae captured in 1937 by E.W. Kaiser in Lorestan Province (W-Iran). In June 2015 two of the authors (TS and DI) rediscovered individual-rich populations of this species in two Iranian provinces (Lorestan and Esfahan). We could confirm the structural differences of the male appendages between C. persicum and C. pulchellum based on a larger number of specimens than in the original description. The structural differences from C. pulchellum in females and their phenotypic variation pattern is described. Coenagrion persicum and C. pulchellum are also genetically distinct regarding two nDNA gene fragments: arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) and phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI). In contrast with C. pulchellum, C. persicum prefers small springs and running waters with rich herbal vegetation. Our faunistic data indicate that the species is present in the mountains between 1800 m and 2300 m a.s.l.. The species seems to be restricted to W-Iran, where it co-occurs with other rheophilic species.

Rediscovery and redescription of Coenagrion persicum (Lohmann 1993) with description of the female, and some notes on habitat selection (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

The dragonfly fauna of southeast Iran has been studied even more poorly than that of the rest of the country (Dumont & Heidari, 1996; Ebrahimi, Madjdzadeh, & Mohammadian, 2009; Sadeghi & Mohammadal...

New records of dragonflies (Odonata) from Belutschistan-e-Sistan province in Iran

Iran has a complex dragonfly fauna influenced by contacts and overlaps of different geographical zones. Its fauna is dominated by Eurosiberian taxa. However, the SE Province Sistan-va-Baluchestan is rich in oriental species, many of which having their western distribution limit in Iran. In NE-Iran, Irano-Turanian elements live and in the S- and SW-Iran African species are found. The Iranian Odonata fauna seems well studied, however, a closer look reveals many uncertainties and confusion, some records coming clearly from misidentification whereas other, which were missing proofs of correct identification remains to be confirmed. Even today, every new collecting trip reveals species new for Iran whereas species new for science are still detected, although rarely. In this checklist we include seven taxa new for Iran: Stylurus ubadschii (although a male of uncertain origin is recorded in Schmidt (1954), Ischnura senegalensis (although two uncertain records were published by Martin (1912) and Schmidt (1954), Coenagrion ponticum, C. lunulatum, C. pulchellum, Lestes macrostigma, and Calopteryx splendens tschaldirica. We critically checked all available data, including all published records. Fourteen taxa have been rejected, or placed in the category for need of confirmation. Till the end of 2017, 100 autochthonous taxa of dragonflies and two migratory species could be confirmed to be or have been present in Iran. We provide distribution maps, created after evaluation of published data and containing our own data from 12 trips to Iran, travelling over 35000 km in the country. Over 200 new localities are integrated. Taxonomic confusion is reduced by rejecting the following taxa for Iran: Calopteryx splendens mingrelica, C. hyalina, Erythromma najas, Aeshna cyanea, Gomphus davidi, and Sympetrum sinaiticum. We regard the taxa Gomphus amseli and G. schneiderii transcaspicus as synonyms of G. schneiderii, and Onychogomphus forcipatus lucidostriatus as a synonym of O. f. albotibialis.

Checklist of the dragonflies (Odonata) of Iran with new records and notes on distribution and taxonomy

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Rediscovery and redescription of Coenagrion persicum (Lohmann 1993) with description of the female, and some notes on habitat selection (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

New records of dragonflies (Odonata) from Belutschistan-e-Sistan province in Iran

Checklist of the dragonflies (Odonata) of Iran with new records and notes on distribution and taxonomy