Somatochlora arctica (Odonata: Corduliidae) oviposing at a “lower than usual” altitude for Italy and the Mediterranean Region and first observation for the Varese Province (Northern Italy)

Abstract

Somatochlora arctica is an endangered dragonfly with populations characterized by low density and scattered distribution. The presence of the species in the Varese Province, recorded during the specific monitoring operations for Nehalennia speciosa, is reported for the first time. The observation of an oviposing female was carried out in a peat bog placed at 550 m a.s.l., the lowest altitude for the species in Italy and one of the most unusual for the Mediterranean Region. The peculiarities of this record are shown.

Keywords

• Altitudinal record
• Anisoptera
• endangered species
• Mediterranean Region