Shining macromia dragonfly (Macromia splendens)

Description

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Shining macromia dragonfly fact file

• Description
• Biology
• Range
• Habitat
• Status
• Threats
• Conservation
• Find out more
• Glossary
• References
• Print factsheet

Shining macromia dragonfly description

This emblematic species is the only European representative of the Macromia dragonflies, a genus that is widespread and abundant throughout tropical regions of the world ⁽²⁾. The sides of the head of the shining macromia dragonfly are entirely yellow, while the top features two large symmetrical yellow spots, separated by a black furrow. The greenish-black thorax is patterned with yellow spots, and the long, slender black abdomen is also adorned with a series of yellow markings ⁽³⁾. The large eyes are a striking emerald green, a characteristic feature of the Corduliidae family, commonly known as the emerald dragonflies or the green-eyed skimmers.

Also known as

Splendid emerald.

French

Cordulie Splendide.

Size

Length: 7 cm ⁽²⁾

Shining macromia dragonfly biology

Dragonflies (Odonata) start their life as aquatic larvae or nymphs, passing through a series of developmental stages or ‘stadia’, undergoing several moults as they grow. Before the final moult ⁽⁵⁾, metamorphosis occurs in which the larvae transform into the adult form ⁽⁶⁾. Shining macromia dragonflies emerge in May to June, following a larval period of two to three years ^{(2) (3) (5)}. After emergence, adults undergo a pre-reproductive phase known as the maturation period, and this is when individuals normally develop their full adult colour ⁽⁶⁾. The maturation period for this species is thought to last one to two weeks, and the entire adult flight period probably only lasts until the end of July to mid-August ^{(2) (3)}. After maturation, males establish a 50 to 150 m territory along a stretch of river, which they regularly patrol to guard from other males. Females have been observed laying eggs in the water as soon as they arrive at the river. However, since mating at these sites seems to be rare, it is thought that copulation may be performed mainly at feeding sites elsewhere ⁽⁵⁾.

The larvae of this species probably feed on small aquatic animals, and the adults on flying insects, which they capture and devour in flight ⁽³⁾.

Shining macromia dragonfly range

Confined to southernmost France and scattered localities in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) ^{(2) (3)}.

Shining macromia dragonfly habitat

Adults prefer to breed in slow-flowing rivers, with deep, warm water, sandy or muddy bottoms, and abundant vegetation. Small populations have also been found at shallow, rapid waters, and are even known to breed successfully in hydroelectric reservoirs, despite the absence of aquatic and riverine vegetation. Almost all populations are at low altitudes of up to 250 to 300 m above sea level, but one population has been recorded at 620 m, and a single larva at 640 m. Recently, a population was also found in Northern Spain at 1000 m, likely due to the river it occupies being warmed up by waters from a lake during summer ⁽⁴⁾. Larvae live amongst tree roots, and may live under leaf debris, but their presence at vegetation-free reservoirs suggests they may also live shallowly buried in the muddy substrate of the water bottom ⁽²⁾.

Shining macromia dragonfly status

Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List 2006 ⁽¹⁾, and included in Annex II of the Bern Convention as “strictly protected”, and in Annex II of the Habitats Directive as a species whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation ⁽²⁾.

Shining macromia dragonfly threats

The main threats facing the shining macromia dragonfly are habitat destruction and water pollution, as the result of agricultural, industrial, urban and tourist activities ^{(2) (3)}. Although the species breeds in some man-made reservoirs, hydroelectric dams and other modification of water courses will usually have a negative impact ⁽²⁾. A further concern is the dramatic droughts that repeatedly affect Iberia, and thus the availability of suitable breeding ground for the shining macromia dragonfly ⁽¹⁾.

Shining macromia dragonfly conservation

Fortunately, many of the sites this dragonfly occupies are far from human settlements and relatively free from the threat of pollution ⁽²⁾. Furthermore, this species seems capable of a degree of behavioural adaptation to cope with its changing environment, demonstrated by its ability to inhabit vegetation-free hydroelectric reservoirs ⁽⁵⁾. The population at the Lindoso reservoir also occurs within a protected area, the Xures Natural Park. This species is protected by law in Spain, and a permit is needed to collect it. Furthermore, with recent data revealing that it is less rare than previously believed, this dragonfly appears to be in no immediate danger of extinction, and its long-term conservation prospects look hopeful ⁽²⁾.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Find out more

For more information on the shining macromia dragonfly see:

Cordero Rivera, A. (2000) Distribution, habitat requirements and conservation of Macromia splendens (Odonata: Corduliidae) in Galicia. International Journal of Odonatology, 3(1): 73-83. Available at:
http://entomologia.net/pdf/Corduliidae_Galicia.pdf

Cordero Rivera, A., Utzeri, C. & Santolamazza Carbone, S. (1999) Emergence and adult behaviour of Macromia splendens in Galicia, Northwestern Spain (Anisoptera: Corduliidae). Odonatologica, 28(4): 333-342. Available at:
http://ecoevo.uvigo.es/PDF/Odonatologica_vol_28_pp_333-342_(1999).pdf

Authentication

Authenticated (24/07/2006) by Adolfo Cordero Rivera, Professor of Ecology, Universidade de Vigo, Spain.
http://webs.uvigo.es/adolfo.cordero/

Glossary

Metamorphosis

An abrupt physical change from the larval to the adult form.

Stratified

The thermal stratification of lakes is a change in the temperature at different depths in the lake. Temperatures change from season to season to create a cyclic pattern that is repeated from year to year.

References

1. IUCN Red List (May, 2006)
   http://www.redlist.org
2. Cordero Rivera, A. (2000) Distribution, habitat requirements and conservation of Macromia splendens (Odonata: Corduliidae) in Galicia. International Journal of Odonatology, 3(1): 73 - 83. Available at:
   http://entomologia.net/pdf/Corduliidae_Galicia.pdf
3. OPIE-Insectes: (INRA) (June, 2006)
   http://www.inra.fr/opie-insectes/observatoire/odonates/m_splend.htm
4. Weihrauch, F. and Weihrauch, S. (2006) Records of protected dragonflies from Rio Tera, Zamora province, Spain (Odonata). Boletín de la Sociedad Entomológica Aragonesa, 38: 337 - 338.
5. Cordero Rivera, A., Utzeri, C. and Santolamazza Carbone, S. (1999) Emergence and adult behaviour of Macromia splendens in Galicia, Northwestern Spain (Anisoptera: Corduliidae). Odonatologica, 28(4): 333 - 342. Available at:
   http://ecoevo.uvigo.es/PDF/Odonatologica_vol_28_pp_333-342_(1999).pdf
6. O’Toole, C. (2002) The New Encyclopedia of Insects and Their Allies. Oxford University Press, Oxford.