Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) of the Kwamalasamutu Region, Suriname

Abstract

Odonata were studied during a Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) survey of the Kwamalasa- mutu area in SW Suriname. Ninety-four species, representing one-third of the species known from Suriname, were registered at forest rivers, streams, and swamps; in particular 57 species were found at the Kutari River Site (Camp 1), 52 at the Sipaliwini River Site (Camp 2), and 65 at the Werehpai Site (Camp 3). Fourteen species represent new records for Suriname, of which four, belonging to the genus Argia, are new to science, and five represent first records of a species at a new locality since their original descriptions, increasing considerably their known extent of occurrence. The results indicate a healthy watershed and well preserved forest at all three sites; if forest cover and stream morphology are maintained in the area, the present odonate assemblages are expected to persist.