Biodiversity and biogeography of Philippine odonata and waterbugs [Hemiptera]

Professorial Chair Lecture

Philippine National Bank Professorial Lecture

Place

Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, UPLB

Date

3-2003

Abstract

The role of Odonata and waterbugs in freshwater ecology is discussed. The potential of using Odonata as indicators of forest cover quality along forested streams is explored and several genera of damselflies are suggested as such indicators. Reviews of the taxonomic status of Philippines Odonata and waterbugs are presented, with the general observation that research on these groups remain largely in the hands of foreign systematists.

Philippine Odonata are represented by 15 families, 91 genera, and 309 species, of which 203 are endemic (65.7%). Damselflies consist of 33-34 genera and 186 species, with very high endemism (85.5%), while the dragonflies contain 57 genera and 123 species, of which only 44 are endemic (35.85). Based on current knowledge, the high endemism is largely attributed to the damselflies, many of which are forest stream inhabitants at higher elevations. While Philippine Odonata represent only 13.1% of the total fauna of the ASEAN region, it exhibits the highest level of species endemism especially in damselflies (85.5%). Philippine waterbugs (Hemiptera) are represented by 19 families, 55 genera, and 203 species, of which 161 (79.3%) are endemic. Levels of endemism within respective families vary from zero to 100%. While threat status of these groups may be difficult to assess in the absence of ecological information, it is safe to assume that damselflies, e.g., Risiocnemis, Drepanosticta, Argiolestes, Rhinagrion, and Amphicnemis are vulnerable to the impact of human interventions on their habitats. The same can be said for the waterbugs Ochterus, Valleriola, and saldid genera.

The biogeographic regions of the Philippines appear to be validated by the damselfly genera Risiocnemis and Drepanosticta and the waterbug veliid genus Rhagovelia. Future comprehensive studies on other groups of Odonata and waterbugs are expected to exhibit similar patterns.

Research opportunities for biodiversity research on Philippine Odonata and waterbugs are limited and depend on the initiative of individual researchers. Even with the limited taxonomic and ecological information on these groups, the conservation of endemic species and their habitats remains a priority of government and conservation-oriented groups. Constraints to biodiversity research are the complicated process of securing collecting permits, shortage of local systematists, inadequate facilities and equipment, and limited access to literature and foreign-based collections. Recommendations are presented with the stress on the need for systematists themselves to take the initiative in promoting biodiversity awareness.

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Language

English

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