Parthenogenetic Ischnura hastata (Say, 1839) is widespread in the Azores islands (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Abstract

Literature and personal information on the distribution ofI. hastata and other odon. spp. in theAzores is reported. /. hastata and I. pumilioare recorded forthe firsttime from the islands ofCorvo and Sao Jorge,respectively. I. hastata appears the most common and abundant sp. and itspopulationis formed by only 9 9 (no 6 S were everrecorded). The asexual reproductionofthese populations was demonstrated by meansof laboratory rearing during several generations.The dispersalability ofthis sp. and the possible origin ofparthenogenesis after its colonisation ofthe Azores are briefly discussed. The possible causes ofthreat are identified and the need for conservation measures is outlined