Orange-winged Dropwing Trithemimis kirbyi © John Muddeman

List of the Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of Extremadura
by John Muddeman
Updated October 2012

This list is based on our base list for Iberian & Macronesian odonates and the excellent Los Odonatos de Extremadura (Sánchez et al. 2009; this can be downloaded from the web in .pdf format but is temporarily, at least, unavailable), plus an additional species added since its completion (A. Sánchez in litt.).

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Nomenclature and systematic treatment follows that of Dijkstra & Lewington (2006), except for modifying the vernacular and scientific names of the Banded Groundling to Northern Banded Groundling (Brachythemis impartita).

Migrant Spreadwing Lestes barbarus © John Muddeman

Distribution

In total 56 species (21 damselflies; 35 dragonflies; 27 genera; including 1 uncertain species and genus) of Odonata have been recorded in Extremadura.

Extremadura has one of the best mapped dragonfly faunas of Spain to date thanks to Los Odonatos de Extremadura (Sánchez et al. 2009). However, the area covered is huge and all records in the future are very welcome. E.g. Southern Darter is almost certainly under-recorded, especially given its late flight season and at the only known regular site to date for the recently colonising Orange-winged Darter, both the scarce Green Hooktail and rare Faded Pincertail have also been found, representing new sites for both these species.

Please feel free to contact me to comment on the list, as my aim is to provide more detailed information in the future and I'm always happy to pass on interesting records to the regional recorders.

If you'd like to observe and photograph dragonflies in Extremadura, join me on a Dragonflies, Birds & Butterflies tour to Extremadura or contact me for options for a Tailor-made Trip

List

Bibliography

Sánchez, A., Pérez, J., Jiménez, E. & Tovar, C. 2009. Los Odonatos de Extremadura. Consejería de Industria, Energía y Medio Ambiente. 344 pp.