Abstract:
T
ypical biotopes inhabited
by the dragonflies’ larvae
are rivers, creeks, streams,
lakes, ponds, bogs, as well
as tanks in excavation pits. It turns
out, however, that there are species
of dragonflies resistant to severe
environmental conditions, capable
of living in very unusual habitats.
There are species inhabiting waterfalls, saline water or even temporary desert pools. Several tropical
species inhabit “plant-held waters”
- phytotelmata – water bodies in
leaves, roots, tree hollows. There
are also terrestrial or semi-terrestrial
dragonflies, which are adapted to
live in moss, on wet rocks or ground
litter. The diversity of habitats and
adaptations of dragonflies related to
these harsh conditions is enormous.
These dragonflies enrich the ecosystems, as an important component of
food webs, and their presence certainly increases the aesthetic value
of the landscape. The importance
of protecting these extraordinary
developmental habitats is crucial in
context of the conservation of the
odonata fauna.
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