Zoe Waterfall damsel  (Paraphlebia zoe)

The Zoe Waterfall damsel is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).

The largest and most brightly coloured species in its genus, the Zoe Waterfall damsel (Paraphlebia zoe) is known for its beautiful, aesthetic qualities (1) (2). This striking damselfly is also valued for practical reasons, as it feeds on a variety of pests, such as mosquitoes (3).

The male Zoe Waterfall damsel occurs in two morphs, black-winged and clear-winged, with the clear-winged morph being very similar in appearance to the female. The black-winged morph is typically larger than the clear-winged morph (4).

The Zoe Waterfall damsel has two pairs of similar-shaped wings, which are held vertically over the long slim body at rest (5). It also has powerful, biting mouthparts, short antennae, and large compound eyes (6). Insects in the order Odonata, which includes dragonflies and damselflies, are unusual in that the legs are all crowded forward on the abdomen. This is an adaption to grasping prey in flight (3).

The Zoe Waterfall damsel is endemic to northeast Mexico. It occurs from San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo to Puebla, and Veracruz (1). 

Generally occurring at elevations of between 200 and 1,200 metres above sea level, the Zoe Waterfall damsel inhabits subtropical and tropical forested areas, as well as freshwater streams in low mountains (1). 

Although the Zoe Waterfall damsel begins its life as an aquatic nymph, it spends its adult life airborne, and develops highly specialised wings for flight (3). As with other species of damselfly, the nymphs pass through a series of development stages, before undergoing metamorphosis and emerging as an adult. After emergence, damselflies have a maturation period, where they do not reproduce. During this time, the Zoe Waterfall damsel will develop its full colouration (6).

Both as a nymph and an adult, the Zoe Waterfall damsel is a voracious predator. In its nymph form it will eat other aquatic invertebrates, while in its adult form it will prey on flying insects. The eyes of species in this genus are specialised for detecting movement, and are therefore extremely well-adapted for capturing fast-moving airborne prey (3). 

Not much is known about the mating behaviour of the Zoe Waterfall damsel, but it is likely to be similar to that of other members of the order Odonata. Both the adult male and female damselfly are polygamous, and the male recognises the female by colour and body pattern. The male Zoe Waterfall damsel will usually defend a territory, with the black-winged male Zoe Waterfall damsel defending a territory more often than the clear-winged morph (3) (4). The male damselfy will pursue and try to grasp any female, and then attempt to initiate copulation immediately. Copulation normally occurs near the site where the eggs are to be deposited (3). The male will often guard the female until the eggs are laid, to make sure that the female does not mate again with another male. The eggs are then laid in plant tissue (3) (6).

The black-winged male tends to have a shorter life span then both the clear-winged and female Zoe Waterfall damsel, possibly due to the costs of holding and defending a territory (7).

Damselflies are considered important components of food webs, and can be used as indicators of the health of the streams and lakes which they inhabit (3).

The greatest threat to the Zoe Waterfall damsel is deforestation of its natural habitat for commercial purposes, such as logging (1). 

There are no known conservation measures in place for the Zoe Waterfall damsel. Population size and trends need to be established and any additional populations need to be identified. This species is not known to inhabit any protected areas (1). 

For more information on damselflies and other insects: 

• O'Toole, C. (2002) The New Encyclopedia of Insects and their Allies. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Find out about conservation in Mexico: 

• The Nature Conservancy - Mexico:
  http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/mexico/index.htm
• Assessment of Tropical Forest and Biodiversity Conservation in Mexico:
  http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/environment/docs/FAA_118_119_Mexico_2009_FINAL.pdf