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Dragonfly associations (Insecta: Odonata) in relation to habitat variables: a multivariate approach

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Abstract

In a dragonfly survey, carried out in a lowland wetland area in eastern Austria, a total of 19 resident species was recorded. Multivariate statistical procedures were used to analyse the relationship between dragonfly assemblage patterns and environmental variables. Besides widespread and euryoecious species with unspecific habitat requirements two dragonfly associations were identified: on the one hand species mainly occurring at temporary natural and near-natural ponds characterised by rush and reed vegetation, on the other hand species preferring permanent waters such as the artificial waterbodies in the investigation area characterised by floating macrophytes. Water persistence and the existence of floating macrophytes determined the formation of species assemblages.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria

    Maria Schindler, Christian Fesl & Andreas Chovanec

  2. Federal Environment Agency, Spittelauer Lände 5, A-1090, Vienna, Austria

    Andreas Chovanec

Authors
  1. Maria Schindler
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  2. Christian Fesl
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  3. Andreas Chovanec
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Correspondence to Andreas Chovanec.

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Schindler, M., Fesl, C. & Chovanec, A. Dragonfly associations (Insecta: Odonata) in relation to habitat variables: a multivariate approach. Hydrobiologia 497, 169–180 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025476220081

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