Dragonflies and Damselflies of Karnataka

Introduction:

This article seeks to record the Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) found in Karnataka State, India. The diversity of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) in Karnataka, India, is notable due to the state's diverse habitats ranging from coastal areas to inland wetlands including Western Ghats, forests, and urban landscapes, and varying climatic gradients.

Odonata represent an order of insects that includes both dragonflies and damselflies. These insects exist in two life stages: terrestrial adults and aquatic nymphs that thrive in freshwater environments. As flying insects, they typically deposit their eggs in water or on nearby vegetation, which subsequently undergo metamorphosis to transform into adult flying forms. All members of the Odonata order are known to be aggressive predators. The nymphs feed on a variety of prey, including invertebrates such as juvenile flies and vertebrates like small fish. In their adult stage, odonatans’ primarily prey on insects, including those of their own species. The families of dragonflies and damselflies exhibit distinct habitat preferences, with some favouring lentic environments such as lakes and ponds, while others prefer lotic habitats, which include flowing waters like rivers and streams.

Geography: 

Karnataka encompasses a total land area of 191,791 km². Karnataka stretches approximately 750 km from north to south and about 400 km from east to west. Karnataka is located in the Deccan Plateau and is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, along with six other states. Its southernmost point is at the convergence of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of South India, leading into the Nilgiri hills. 

The state can be categorized into three distinct geomorphic zones: 

• The coastal plains are situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. These lowlands experience moderate to high levels of rainfall. This coastal strip measures around 320 km in length and 48–64 km in width. 

• The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea, with an average elevation of about 900 m, and some peaks exceeding 1,000 m above sea level. This mountain range is approximately 40 km wide and receives moderate to high rainfall. 

• The Deccan Plateau constitutes the primary inland region of the state, with an average elevation of 650 m above sea level. This plateau is relatively arid, bordering on semi-arid conditions.

Methods:

A significant effort has been made to compile the species of Odonata (Damselflies and Dragonflies) present in Karnataka State, with the generous assistance of three field experts – Dr. Subramanian KA, Dr. Dattaprasad A. Sawant, and Tejas Mehendale.

The reference materials utilized include F.C. Fraser's three volumes of 'The Fauna of British India' series (which encompasses Ceylon and Burma), data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the Indian Odonata Website, Research grade observations from iNaturalist, the Indian Biodiversity Portal, and the practical experience of experts in the field.

Discussion:

The compiled species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) in Karnataka State refer to documented checklists or consolidated lists of species recorded from various surveys, literature, data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the Indian Odonata Website, regulated use of 'Research grade' observations from iNaturalist, the Indian Biodiversity Portal, regional studies and the practical experience of experts in the field. These compilations draw from historical records (e.g., early 20th-century works by F.C. Fraser), modern field guides (e.g., K.A. Subramanian's works), and ongoing observations.

Karnataka, particularly its Western Ghats portion (a global biodiversity hotspot), supports significant Odonata diversity due to varied habitats including rivers, streams, wetlands, evergreen forests, and plateaus. While no single exhaustive, up-to-date statewide checklist is universally cited as definitive in recent sources, compilations and regional studies indicate a substantial number of species.

Compiled Species Numbers

• Older or partial compilations (e.g., from Mysore region or specific districts) report around 80–100+ species.

• Broader inferences from Western Ghats-focused studies and national checklists suggest Karnataka harbours over 100 species, with some estimates implying 150+ when including under-surveyed areas (given neighbouring states like Kerala at ~174–181 species and Maharashtra at ~134).

• The Western Ghats as a whole support high endemism, and Karnataka contributes notably (third-highest endemic Odonata among Indian states after Kerala and Tamil Nadu, per Zoological Survey of India data).

• National Indian Odonata checklists (e.g., Subramanian & Babu, 2017/2020/2024/2025 versions) and updates place total Indian species at ~482–500+, with Karnataka's share reflecting its biogeographic position.

Regional examples include:

• Mysore area: ~82 species documented (54 dragonflies, 28 damselflies).

• Uttara Kannada and other Western Ghats districts: High local diversity, often 20–50+ species per site.

• Overall, Karnataka's Odonata fauna is likely underestimated due to uneven sampling (more data from southern/coastal/Western Ghats areas than northern plains).

Results: 

• The confirmed observations include 147 species across 12 families and 82 genera. 

• Among these confirmed observations, there are 87 species of dragonflies and 60 species of damselflies. 

• The distribution of observed species by family is as follows: Libellulidae (50), Gomphidae (23), Coenagrionidae (22), Platycnemididae (13), Aeshnidae (9), Platystictidae (7), Euphaeidae (6), Lestidae (5), Calopterygidae (4), Chlorocyphidae (3), Macromiidae (3), and Genera incerte sedis (2). 

• In terms of genus, the highest number of species recorded are in Orthetrum (7), Protosticta (6), Ceriogrion (5), Euphaea (5), Gynacantha (5), and Pseudagrion (5). 

• There are 19 species that were documented decades ago but lack any recent observations. 

• A revalidation is necessary for the recent photographic observations to include 6 species. 

• There are 4 species that may be present, contingent upon habitat conditions and discoveries in neighbouring states.

Significance of Compiled Odonata Species: 

• Biodiversity Indicator: Odonata are highly responsive to changes in water quality and habitat. A high diversity of species in Karnataka, particularly the endemics found in the Western Ghats, indicates the presence of healthy freshwater ecosystem.

• Ecological Role: As both predators and larvae, Odonata help regulate pest populations (including mosquitoes and flies), thus playing a vital role in natural pest control in both agricultural and urban settings. They are integral to food webs, serving as prey for various birds, fish, and other insects.

• Bioindicators for Conservation: Research conducted in Karnataka, particularly in riparian ecosystems of the southwestern regions, utilizes Odonata to evaluate habitat health, pollution levels, and the integrity of riparian zones. A decline in their populations can indicate threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, eutrophication, and climate change

• Endemism and Hotspot Value: Numerous species are endemic to the Western Ghats, which underscores Karnataka's significance in the global conservation of biodiversity. Protecting these species contributes to broader conservation efforts in this UNESCO-designated hotspot.

• Scientific and Monitoring Value: Compiled species lists serve as baseline for monitoring ecological changes, documenting new species, or observing range expansions. They support research initiatives, citizen science efforts, and inform policies aimed at conserving wetlands.

• Threats and Urgency: Human activities pose significant threats to habitats. Compilations of Odonata species help prioritize conservation efforts, as these insects are at risk from habitat fragmentation and water quality deterioration.

A commentary on Fraser's contributions:

F.C. Fraser's three volumes on Odonata for 'The Fauna of British India' series (including Ceylon & Burma) are considered a foundational and monumental work, offering extensive cataloguing, comprehensive coverage, detailed descriptions, and detailed illustrations of South-Asian dragonflies, setting a standard for odonatology in the region. 

Despite being published decades ago, remains a crucial reference for amateurs and scientists, documenting species that are still relevant today, even with ongoing discoveries. Except few recent findings, the referral contains most of all the species. Ironically, many described in the book are yet to be seen or to be photographed in the field. 

One example of such a detailed notes – Lestes elatus were seen in hundreds over swamps in Mysore and equally so over paddy lands in Bangalore. The flight is short, like most Lestes, and, when settled, it has a peculiar habit of swaying its abdomen, the reason for which is not at all clear, but may be sexual, as it is confined to the males. Even the description quantifies the species then and now, comparably shows abundance status.   

And, on Pseudagrion decorum- It is essentially an insect of the plains, and the few records from montane areas are undoubtedly due to strays. During September this species takes to flight, the migration taking place in a north-westerly direction up the West Coast of India, when millions may be seen in company with Pseudagrion microcephalum.

Conclusion:

In summary, the compiled Odonata species in Karnataka underscore the state's rich aquatic insect biodiversity, its ecological importance, and the need for continued surveys and protection—especially in the Western Ghats—to safeguard this ancient insect group and the freshwater systems they depend on. 

References:

1. V.J. KALKMAN, R. BABU, M. BEDJANIČ, K. CONNIFF, T. GYELTSHEN, M.K. KHAN, K.A. SUBRAMANIAN, A. ZIA & A.G. ORR Checklist of the dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Zootaxa 4849). 8 Sept. 2020

2.Hämäläinen, M. (2011) Notes on the taxonomic status of Vestalis submontana Fraser, 1934 from South India (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae). Notulae Odonatologicae, 7 (8), 71–73.

3.Fraser, F.C (1933,1934, & 1936). The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma.  Odonata. Vols I-III. Taylor and Franis Ltd., London 

4.Subramanian, K.A.and Babu, R. (2025). Checklist of Fauna of India: Arthropoda: Insecta: Odonata. Version 2.0. Zoological Survey India. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26515/ Fauna/2/2025/Arthropoda:Insecta:Odonata

5. https://www.gbif.org ,  https://www.inaturalist.org, https://www.indianodonata.org and https://indiabiodiversity.org 

Acknowledgement:

We owe a debt of gratitude to the resources provided by the following websites: https://www.gbif.org/, https://www.inaturalist.org, https://www.indianodonata.org, and https://indiabiodiversity.org.  Thanks to https://ahrefs.com/ and https://grok.com/ for assisting in drafting the article. 

Authors & Contributors:

Compiled species of Odonata: Tejas Mehendale, Dr. Dattaprasad Sawant, Dr. Subramanian KA 

Article: Shivaprakash A

CHECKLIST OF KARNATAKA ODONATA (to attach)