Odonata of University of Ibadan, Nigeria

The presence of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) is taken as an indication of good ecosystem quality. Information on the diversity of Odonata across countries such as East Africa, South Africa, Zambia, America, United Kingdom, and India has been well documented. This study is part of ongoing research on diversity of Nigerian Odonates. It was funded by GBIF (BID-AF2017-0311) and University of Lagos, Nigeria (CRC 2016/21). It involved the Digitization and Mobilization of Odonata of Southern Nigeria, and molecular characterization, DNA barcoding and banking of Odonata of South western Nigeria. So far over 4000 collections have been made comprising of over 175 species from Nigeria. Odonate collections from University of Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria comprised a total of 549 individuals made up of 68 species, and eight families. The families include Libellulidae (73%), Coenagrionidae (22%), Protoneuridae (1.6%), Chlorocyphidae (0.5%), Caloptterygydae (0.5%), Platycnemididae (0.4%) and Gomphidae (0.2%). Three dominant species include Trithemis arteriosa (21%), Palpopleura lucia (20%) and Ceriagrion glabrum(11%). Over 48 species of the collections were represented by only one individual amongst which were Teinobasis alluausi, Orthetrum austeni and Palpopleura deceptor.