The complete mitochondrial genome of the broad-winged damselfly <i>Mnais costalis</i> Selys (Odonata: Calopterygidae) obtained by next-generation sequencing

<p>We used next-generation sequencing to characterise the complete mitochondrial genome of the damselfly <i>Mnais costalis</i> (Odonata, Calopterygidae). Illumina paired end reads were mapped against COI and 16S sequences from <i>M. costalis</i> and then extended using an iterative <i>de novo</i> map procedure. The final assembly was a contiguous sequence of 15,487 bp, which contained all standard mitochondrial coding regions and the putative A+T rich region. The gene configuration of the <i>M. costalis</i> mitogenome is similar to that of other odonates, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, large and small rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. We found three intergenic spacers that are also present in all available whole odonate mitogenomes. Base composition of the <i>M. costalis</i> mitogenome is 40% (A), 20% (C), 14% (G) and 26% (T), with a high A+T content (66%). The characterisation of the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>M. costalis</i> adds to the growing list of mitogenomes currently available for odonates, and will help to improve primer design for future population genetic studies. A phylogenetic analysis including the currently available mitochondrial genome sequences of odonates suggests that <i>Epiophlebia superstes</i> is more closely related to the Zygoptera than to the Anisoptera.</p

A Special Issue on the Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Dragonflies and Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata)

The Odonata is an order of insects commonly known as dragonflies and damselflies, with a worldwide distribution except in Antarctica [...

Hypolestes hatuey sp. nov.: a new species of the enigmatic genus Hypolestes (Odonata, Hypolestidae) from Hispaniola

Torres-Cambas, Yusdiel, Lorenzo-Carballa, M. Olalla, Ferreira, Sónia, Cordero-Rivera, Adolfo (2015): Hypolestes hatuey sp. nov.: a new species of the enigmatic genus Hypolestes (Odonata, Hypolestidae) from Hispaniola. Zootaxa 4000 (2): 207-226, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4000.2.

Hybridization between <i>Calopteryx splendens</i> and <i>C. haemorrhoidalis</i> confirmed by morphological and genetic analyses

<div><p>Hybridization between <i>Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis</i> and any of its congeners has not been reported until now. We observed spontaneous matings between male <i>C. splendens</i> and female <i>C. haemorrhoidalis</i> at a locality in Central Italy, together with some putative hybrid individuals that had a mixed phenotype. Here, we report the morphological and molecular characterization of five suspected hybrids collected from this population during 2001 (<i>n</i>=1), 2012 (<i>n</i>=2) and 2013 (<i>n</i>=2). A discriminant analysis based on 13 morphological variables correctly separated both parental species (with 100% assignation success) and classified the hybrid from 2001 as <i>splendens</i> phenotype and those from 2012 and 2013 as <i>haemorrhoidalis</i>. Genotype data (microsatellite loci) was used to confirm the hybrid origin of these specimens, although there were differences between the individual from 2001 and those from 2012 and 2013; the 2001 individual had alleles that were present in both parent species, suggesting it is an F1 hybrid, but the individuals collected in 2012 and 2013 had private alleles at eight (out of 12) loci and only a small portion of the genome in common with <i>C. splendens</i>, which suggests that introgression is occurring in this population. Similarities in mitochondrial DNA sequences indicate that the 2001 hybrid and the 2012–2013 hybrids have <i>splendens</i> and <i>haemorrhoidalis</i> maternal origins respectively, which, in contrast with behavioural observations, indicates that interspecific matings in both directions are possible. This is the first demonstration that <i>C. haemorrhoidalis</i> can hybridize with other congeners to produce viable offspring.</p></div

Incidence and Diversity of TorixRickettsia-Odonata Symbioses

Heritable microbes are an important component of invertebrate biology, acting both as beneficial symbionts and reproductive parasites. Whilst most previous research has focussed on the ‘Wolbachia pandemic’, recent work has emphasised the importance of other microbial symbionts. In this study, we present a survey of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) for torix group Rickettsia, following previous research indicating that this clade can be common in other aquatic insect groups. PCR assays were used to screen a broad range of odonates from two continents and revealed 8 of 76 species tested were infected with Rickettsia. We then conducted further deeper screening of UK representatives of the Coenagrionidae damselfly family, revealing 6 of 8 UK coenagrionid species to be positive for torix Rickettsia. Analysis of Rickettsia gene sequences supported multiple establishments of symbiosis in the group. Some strains were shared between UK coenagrionid species that shared mtDNA barcodes, indicating a likely route for mitochondrial introgression between sister species. There was also evidence of coinfecting Rickettsia strains in two species. FISH analysis indicated Rickettsia were observed in the ovarioles, consistent with heritable symbiosis. We conclude that torix Rickettsia represent an important associate of odonates, being found in a broad range of species from both Europe and South America. There is evidence that coinfection can occur, vertical transmission is likely, and that symbiont movement following hybridisation may underpin the lack of ‘barcoding gap’ between well-established species pairs in the genus. Future work should establish the biological significance of the symbioses observed

An update on the distribution of threatened odonate species from the Greater Antilles

<div><p>The Antilles harbour several island endemic odonate species, including some palaeoendemics, within a relatively small and anthropized area. Such attributes give this archipelago a special significance for the conservation of Odonata in the Neotropics. However, despite the importance of these islands, inadequately surveyed regions persist, mainly in the Greater Antilles, and there is not enough information to set IUCN threat categories for eight species supposed to be at risk, which are currently classified as data deficient (DD). To update the distribution of endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU) and DD species, we conducted a series of field surveys in Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba, and compiled data from literature, museum collections as well as personal communications. We sampled a total of 37 species, including <i>Microneura caligata, Phylolestes ethelae</i> and <i>Hypolestes clara</i> (EN); <i>H. trinitatis</i> (VU); and <i>Diceratobasis macrogaster, Neoneura maria</i> and <i>Protoneura capillaris</i> (DD). We provide new locality records for <i>M. caligata, N. carnatica</i> (DD), <i>N. maria</i> (DD), <i>P. capillaris, H. clara, H. trinitatis</i> and <i>Erythrodiplax bromeliicola</i> (DD). According to our results, we suggest changing the category of <i>D. macrogaster, D. melanogaster, N. carnatica, N. maria</i> and <i>P. capillaris</i> to VU.</p></div

Impact of landscape on spatial genetic structure and diversity of Coenagrion mercuriale (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) in northern France

International audienc

Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) as a bridge between ecology and evolutionary genomics

Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) present an unparalleled insect model to integrate evolutionary genomics with ecology for the study of insect evolution. Key features of Odonata include their ancient phylogenetic position, extensive phenotypic and ecological diversity, several unique evolutionary innovations, ease of study in the wild and usefulness as bioindicators for freshwater ecosystems worldwide. In this review, we synthesize studies on the evolution, ecology and physiology of odonates, highlighting those areas where the integration of ecology with genomics would yield significant insights into the evolutionary processes that would not be gained easily by working on other animal groups. We argue that the unique features of this group combined with their complex life cycle, flight behaviour, diversity in ecological niches and their sensitivity to anthropogenic change make odonates a promising and fruitful taxon for genomics focused research. Future areas of research that deserve increased attention are also briefly outlined.status: publishe