Odonata - Entomological Society of Latvia - Latvijas Daba

many other issues are not specific to Latvia only, but also to other countries like Poland (Bernard et
al. 2009).
Figure 17. The squares of Latvia according to the number of the species identified in one square and
the network of specially protected nature areas (NATURA 2000).
According to the relative distribution of the species, in Latvia there are mostly moderately
represented species (S=19). Very common, common, localized and very rare distributed species are
less common (S=9-12). Most dragonfly species can be encountered throughout the territory of
Latvia due to the various habitats that are represented. For example, there are ~600 m/km 2 of
flowing water in Latvia (Pastors 1995; Eipurs, Zīverts 1998) or 15 km in one the 5x5 km square.
This provides habitat for moderate or vast distribution of almost any flowing water species, for
example, Calopteryx splendens, Gomphus vulgatissimus etc. However, for some species, for
instance, Ophiogomphus cecilia, Cordulegaster boltonii and Gomphus flavipes, regional differences
of distribution were observed. The rare occurrence of Gomphus flavipes is mainly related to the
habitat specific to the species – large rivers that are not well represented in Latvia. Accordingly, this
species is mainly found near the Daugava River. The non-homogenous distribution of
Cordulegaster boltonii is most likely related to the secretive lifestyle of the species and the specific
habitat – shady streams and small rivers. This species is mainly identified in locations where the
extended research takes place.
Also standing waters are greatly represented in the whole territory of Latvia; in some river
basins the lake coverage reaches even 10 % (Pastors, 1995). Additional possibilities for distribution
are provided by the growing number (especially in the last 10-15 years) of household ponds
(unpublished data by the State Environmental Service). Thus, there are very vast distribution
possibilities for ecologically more plastic species like Libellula quadrimaculata, Aeshna grandis,
Aeshna cyanea, Coenagrion puella. Regional differences were observed for species with specific
habitat needs (Aeshna subarctica – raised bogs with water pools), species that are in the periphery
of their areas (Coenagrion johanssoni – Latvia lies in the south-western side of the area), as well as
species the distribution areas of which are affected by climate change (see previously Changes of
fauna).
The occurrence of the species is not related to the size of the species, as all categories of
relative distribution include both large and small species. From sporadically distributed species only
one – Ischnura pumilio – is small in size (perhaps, more difficult to notice). Only 20 species have
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