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@article{179653,
        author = {Vaishali Krushnat Patil and Tanaji Chougale},
        title = {DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF DAMSELFLIES (ZYGOPTERA) IN VARIED ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF KOLHAPUR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {12},
        pages = {7420-7427},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=179653},
        abstract = {The present study investigates the diversity 
and distribution of damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) 
across five tehsils in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, 
spanning a range of ecological zones from the eastern 
Deccan plateau to the western foothills of the Sahyadri 
mountains. Field surveys were conducted biweekly 
from January 2023 to December 2024, using 
standardized net-sweeping methods during morning 
and evening hours. A total of 22 species were recorded, 
of which 15 were identified, representing 11 genera and 
4 families, while 7 remained unidentified. Species 
richness varied across study sites, with higher diversity 
observed in regions featuring intact riparian vegetation 
and relatively undisturbed freshwater bodies. 
Frequently observed species included Ceriagrion 
coromandelianum, 
Pseudagrion 
rubriceps, 
and 
Prodasineura verticalis, while Ischnura aurora and 
Vestalis gracilis were reported from specific localities for 
the first time.  
The findings highlight the ecological sensitivity of 
damselflies to microhabitat conditions, emphasizing 
their utility as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem 
health. This study provides a valuable baseline for 
regional biodiversity assessments and underlines the 
need for site-specific conservation strategies to mitigate 
ongoing habitat degradation.},
        keywords = {Bioindicators, Damselflies, Freshwater  Biodiversity, Kolhapur, Zygoptera},
        month = {May},
        }