5 On the common Insecta ofAI Azraq Jordan

1997, Emomologist's Gasette 48: 55-66
On the common Insecta ofAI Azraq, Jordan
t r \. \
ZUHAIR S. AMR & WALID N. AL-MELHIM
Departm8nt ofBiology, Jardon University ofScience & Technology, Irbid, P.O. Box
3030, Jardon
AHMAD KATBEH·BADER
Department ofPlant Protection, Faculty ofAgriculture, University ofJardon,
Amman, Jardon
WOLFGANG SCHNEIDER
Department ofZoology, Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt, Friedenplatz 1,
D~64283 Darmstadt, Germany
Introduction
Azraq Oasis is pan of jordan's Eastern Desert plateau that originated 30-40
million years ago. The reserve is a unique wetland comprising 12 km 2 with
several marshes, pools, water meadows and springs. To the east, Qa-Al-Azraq is
located covering about 50-70 km 2 (Clarke, 1979). Azraq reserve is pan of the
Sahar~Arabian biotope with an abundance of halophytic vegetation. Al-Eisawi
(1985) listed several species that characterize saline environments including
Alhagi murorum, Ttt.marix sp., Lycium sp. andJuncus littaralis.
According to the bioclimate, Azraq reserve lies within the Saharan
Mediterranean bioclimate of the cool variety (Talbot, 1959; Poore & Robertson,
1964).
Azraq Oasis has received attention since the beginning of this century.
Hemming (1932) studied the butterfiies of Azraq. Mountfort (1965) visited
Azraq in 1963 as a member of the First International Jordan Expedition. He
briefly documented the occurrence of several insect species from Azraq as well
as other animals.
During the Second International Jordan Expedition in 1966, the leader,
G. Boyd, reviewed the activities of his team members with regard to the diverse
groups of animals and plants occurring at Azraq. The entomology report
included some macrolepidopterous species. Scates (1968) gave a brief account of
the freshwater fauna of Azraq and included the description of a new species of
crustacean endemic to Azraq. Nelson (1973), a British ornithologist who spent
about two years in Azraq, wrote a good account of the avifauna of Azraq and
included some notes on other animals that he observed and collected. In 1983,
Torben Larsen reported 19 species of butterfiies from Azraq (Larsen &
Nakamura, 1983).
Owing to continuous changes in the natural habitats, man-made changes in
Azraq and the probable negative effects on the animal biodiversity in the area,
this paper is a preliminary report on the common insects of Azraq in order to
establish base-line data on its faunal composition and to monitor future changes.
55

56 Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
Materials and methods
Weekly field trips were undertaken between 31.iii.1995-26.vi.I995. Sampling
was concentrated on three sites that have distinctive faunal composition and
represent selected habitats covering the entire reserve. These are as follows:
AI-Munfalat A long water canal that extends from Qa AI-Azraq and penetrates
deep into the west. Sampling was conducted on a weekly basis along the sides of
this site.
AI-Nakheel area This site represents arid and dry habitat and then gradually
becomes moist and humid to the east near the Qa. Selected sampling stations
were visited throughout the entire study.
Freshwater pools (Ain AI-Soda and Ain-Qeseyeh) This area is thickly and
heavily vegetated by Typha sp. along the water edges, as well as thick clumps of
Juncus sp. in the dry parts. This particular site is the richest in terms of diversity
as it contains two permanent freshwater pools.
Insects were collected as follows: direct hand picking; pitfall traps, using cans
of different sizes dug into the soil; butterfly nets using U.v. light-traps; digging
by using a short shovel; and looking under bushes, stones and deserted burrows.
Other specimens collected from Azraq and deposited in the University of
Jordan, Insect Museum (UJIM), were also examined.
Systematic list of the Insects of Azraq
MANTODEA
Mantidae
Blepharopsis mendica (Fabricius)
Collected from Ain Soda among the tall vegetation of Typha species.
EremitJphiia braueri Krauss
One specimen was collected from the Qa, near AI-Nakheel. The colour of this
little creature matches very well with the soil surface. It seems to be limited to
humid parts of the reserve.
Empusa sp.
One single specimen was taken from the Ain Soda area. It is not a common
species. Further sampling should be during other parts of the season to
document its abund,nce.
HOMOPTERA
Cicadidae
Plar,pleura arabica Myers
The activity and abundance of this cicada was noted during late May and
early June. They occur on Tamarix species and produce sound during the
daytime. At night they are more active and move about within the reserve.

Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
57
ODONATA
ZYGOPTERA
Coenagrionidae
Ischnura evansi Morton
This is the most common species of the genus Ischnura in the reserve. The
Azraq population is concentrated around the freshwater pool and dense
vegetation. These blue-banded damselflies were active during the entire period
of this research. Males and females were in tandem on all occasions. This may
suggest that they breed all year round. They prefer shady and dense vegetation.
The removal of Typha vegetation may affect the breeding of this beautiful and
rare species, since it will affect the aquatic larval stages.
Ischnura elegants (Schmidt)
This elegant damselfly is another common species that is syntopic with
Ischnura evansi. However, it is less abundant and was found only within the
vicinity of the freshwater pools at Ain Soda and Ain Queseyeh. Associated with
Juncus and Typha. It was seen in tandem on many occasions. Also, its density
may suggest that it breeds all year round at these sites.
Platycnemididae
Platycnemis dealbata Selys & Hagen
This species appeared at irregular intervals. It was seen and collected at the
beginning of the survey and later in the middle of May. The thorax of adult
males in June was light orange while in young males it was dull white. It prefers
low vegetation close to the soil as perching sites. Because of its weak flight it
avoids other damselflies which were seen to perch on higher vegetation. The
concentration of its population is located near the open pools, which may
require protection to keep the breeding cycle continuous.
ANISOPTERA
Aeshnidae
Anax imperator (Leach)
The Emperor dragonfly is a very powerful flyer and seldom lands or rests.
When resting on a hot day, it chooses the Tamarix bushes. It feeds on other
flying insects. Males and females were seen in tandem on many occasions. At the
beginning of April, most of the population was concentrated near AI-Munflat,
before the temporary pools dried up; later, the population migrated to the open
pools near Ain Soda.
Males are large with a blue abdomen, while females are smaller and have
brown-yellow coloration. Males are notoriously territorial, and are always flying
over an area of about 150-200 m; they drive any other male of the same species
away. Pairs in tandem were seen flying over the surface of the open pools.
Anax parthenope (Selys)
The Lesser Emperor dragonfly is similar to the Emperor dragonfly but

58 Entomologist's Gasette (1997) Vol. 48
shorter. The abdomen is not completely blue; the second and third abdominal
segments are metallic blue in colour. It was collected first at Munflat and its
numbers started to decline by the end of May. It is an active and fast flyer and
feeds on other dragonfly species at AI-Munflat.
Hemianax ephippiger (Burmeister)
The Vagrant Emperor dragonfly is very similar to the Lesser Emperor
dragonfly, except for some features on the wings. This species is syntopic with
other aeshnids but is less numerous.
LibeUulidae
Sympetrumfonscolombei (Selys)
One of the most common species breeding at Azraq. It was seen and collected
during the whole period of study. Tenerals are usually yellowish brown, while
adults may attain a light or bright red colour. Older females usually become
greyish blue. The taxonomic status of this heterochromic species is still under
revision.
Orthetrum sabina (Drury)
This rather common species is concentrated near the freshwater pools. It
appeared during late May and the population continued to flourish thereafter. It
is characterized by the swollen base of its abdomen. The Oasis Skimmer prefers
to rest on the tips ofJuncus with its abdomen held vertical. This behaviour is
thought to be associated with thermoregulation - dragonflies, particularly
libellulids, exhibit such behaviour to minimize the temperature increase.
Crocothemis erythraea (Brulle)
The Carmine Darter is one of the most common species occurring in the
reserve. The largest populations were observed near Ain Soda and also at
Munflat. Males are bright red while the females are brown-yellow. Specimens
were collected during the entire period ofstudy. This suggests that the Carmine
Darter is a resident species; however, this requires observations during the
autumn and winter.
They are fast-flying insects and perch on a preferred plant or a bush around
which they fly, returning repeatedly to the same spot.
Crocothemis servilia (Drury)
A rather common species which was observed breeding in the reserve.
Known to migrate great distances. Peaks in its population were observed during
mid-April and towards the end of May. It was collected from all study sites. Both
males and females prefer to perch on the tips ofJuncus plants and sustain a
horizontal position for a long time.
Brachythemis leucostica (Burmeister)
Only one pair was seen flying over the surface of the open pools. This species
requires open freshwater habitats. Observed only once during mid-June and its

Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
59
status should be verified. This rare species in AI-Azraq is under severe stress
owing to man-made changes of aquatic habitats.
Orthetrum taeniolatum (Schneider)
This species is not very common in Azraq. Only one specimen was seen at
Ain Soda but not collected.
Trithemis annulata (Palisot de Beauvais)
The Purple Blushed Darter is bright red in coloration. This species is very
aggressive and territorial and keeps on cruising in a defined area.
ORTBOPTERA
Acrididae
Truxalis grandis Klug
This green grasshopper is associated mostly with thick vegetation of Typha.
Most of our specimens came from Ain Soda.
Pseudoceles elmeri Dirsh
This is the most abundant species of Orthoptera occurring at Azraq and was
collected from all the study sites during early and late April. Huge numbers of
this grasshopper were seen in Amman and many people thought that there were
waves of locust swarms.
Acrotylus insubricus (Scopoli)
The Red-winged Grasshopper is rather common and was collected from open
habitats near the Munflat.
Clwrthippus peneri Fishelson
One specimen was collected from the Munflat area during late May. This is a
small-sized grasshopper recognised by its light greenish hyaline wings.
Tropidopola lcmgicornis syriaca (Walker)
Reported from Palestine and found in humid habitats such as swamps and
irrigated fields. Common around Ain Soda. Its green coloration camouflages it
with the surrounding Typha.
Anacridium aegyptium aegyptium (Linnaeus)
Common in Azraq Oasis and associated with trees and thick vegetation. It
was also seen on various occasions in Azraq. High population densities are
known to occur during the summer.
Duroniella lucasi (Bollvar)
Collected from Ain Soda and AI-Nakheel. It is not as common as the Redwinged
Grasshopper.

60 Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
GryUotalpidae
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L.
Three specimens were collected from beneath stones during March 1993.
ISOPTERA
Hodotermitidae
Anacantlwterma sp.
This termite was collected from underneath small boulders in humid areas,
particularly Ain Soda. Specimens are distinguishable from the described species
of this genus. Chhotani & Bose (1979) have reported on the Isoptera of Saudi
Arabia.
NEUROPTERA
Chrysopidae
Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens)
The Green Lacewing is one of the most common insects of Azraq. It prefers
humid areas with an abundance of water and vegetation. It was observed in large
numbers at Ain Soda among the dense vegetation towards the end of April and
peaked afterwards. High numbers were also observed at Munflat after the
drainage canal dried out. The Green Lacewing feeds on other insects such as
aphids; however, it is part of the diet of dragonflies.
Myrmeleontidae
Myrmecaelurus laetus Klug
Not very common and prefers habitats such as those frequented by the Green
Lacewing. It is associated with dense vegetation.
LEPIDOPTERA
Sphingidae
Byles livornica (Esper)
The Striped Hawkmoth was collected from near the Azraq camp site. This
species is cosmopolitan in distribution and a strong migrant.
Noctuidae
Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel)
The Dark Sword-grass moth was very common during May and subsequently
its popUlation declined quite drastically. It prefers low vegetation in which it
hides during hot weather. More studies should be undertaken to determine its
abundance during different seasons of the year.
Beliothis armigera (Hiibner)
The Dark Clover is another diurnal moth that showed an extraordinary
popUlation explosion during May; the numbers seem to retract thereafter. The
Dark Clover moth shares similar habitats to that of the Dark Sword-grass moth.

Entt:mwlogist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
61
Arctiidae
Utetheisa pulcheUa (L.)
The Crimson Speckled Footman is not an uncommon diurnal moth at Azraq.
Collecting dates suggest that two broods occurred within the study period. It was
common during late April and then declined and reappeared during mid-June.
It prefers low shrubs and on many occasions was observed resting on Scirpus sp.
Most abundant near Munflat and near the Qa.
Pieridae
Pims rapae (L.)
The Small White is one of the commonest species occurring in Azraq. It
prefers open habitats near the Qa area. Continuous observations of this species
suggest that it may breed all the year round. Peaks were observed during late
May-early June. The Small White is a Palaearctic butterfly with a wide
distribution and a powerful migrant in Europe (Larsen, 1990).
Pontia daplidice (L.)
The Bath White is another Palaearctic migrant with a broad distribution
range. It is quite a common species that appeared in mid-April and persisted
during the entire study. It was associated with Tamarix and later on the flowers
ofAlhaja marorum. It seems to breed throughout the spring and summer.
Pontia glauconome Klug
Not a very common species. It was seen during early May and then became
rare.
Elphinstonia charlonia Donzel
The Greenish Black-tip is a rare species with very limited abundance. It was
collected on two occasions near AI-Munflat. It is considered to be an eremic
species that occurs in the Sahara and penetrates into Arabia (Larsen, 1990). It
occurs in small populations and perhaps breeds once a year.
Colias croceus (Geoffroy)
The Clouded Yellow butterfly is fairly common at the reserve. Populations of
this species started to emerge during late May and increased after this. However,
it was the most common species in northern Azraq near the cultivated alfalfa
fields and predominates in that area. Walker & Pittaway (1987) stated that before
the cultivation of alfalfa, this species was probably a winter migrant to the
Arabian peninsula.
Variation in coloration was observed, ranging from orange and yellow to light
yellow. The Clouded Yellow butterfly is a western Palaearctic migrant that has
a substantial dispersal ability.

62 Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
Nymphalidae
Vanessa cardui (L.)
The Painted Lady is one of the common butterflies of Azraq. Emergence
paterns showed one distinct cycle; it was common in April when males and
females were seen in copula, especially at Munflat and near the Qa, and the
density started to decline thereafter. This butterfly prefers open habitats and
avoids thick vegetation. It rests on low vegetation or sometimes in the spiny
Atriplex bushes.
Ypthima asterope Klug
A single specimen was collected from Ain Soda in June. This is the first
record of this butterfly in the Eastern Desert of Jordan. Known from the Jordan
Valley and other localities within the Mediterranean biotope.
Danaus chrysippus (L.)
The Plain Tiger Wanderer is one of the most beautiful of the monarch
butterflies. Its unique coloration and size make it very attractive. A single
specimen was collected from Ain Soda in June. It was also seen in June near
Munflat. This species is a strong migrant and is reported from Azraq for the first
time. However, more information and stlldies should be undertaken to
understand its emergence pattern and abundance at Azraq.
Lycaenidae
Chilades galOO Lederer
This species emerged during late June in all the study sites. It seems that they
are univoltine in the Azraq area. A common species in Saudi Arabia and
previously reported from Azraq and dry habitats.
Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg)
Reported previously from Qaser Al-Azraq. This is the most common lycaenid
butterfly in Jordan. Most of our specimens were collected during early June.
LampUles boeticus (L.)
The Long-tailed Blue is not a very common species. Collected during early
and mid-June from North Azraq.
DIPTERA
Tipulidae
Tipula sp.
This crane fly was collected from densely vegetated areas at Ain Soda. It was
associated with Typha as well as the thickJuncus patches in the humid Ain Soda.
Little is known about the feeding behaviour of this group.
Limnobia trip';'nctata Fabricius
One specimen was collected from Azraq, 16.iii.1988.

Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
63
Culicidae
Culex pipiens L.
Adults and larval stages were collected from Ain Soda area. Using light-traps,
they were quite common around the freshwater pools. Larvae and adults are
utilized as food for freshwater fishes, other insects and amphibians. Perhaps
sewage cisterns and still water around houses in the Azraq village may
contribute to its breeding sites. The Qa area was devoid oflarvae and density of
adults is very low in other parts of the reserve.
Chironomidae
Chironomus dorsalis Meigen
This is the most common chironomid occurring in Azraq and swarms seek
refuge during the day in Tamarix or other vegetation.
Tabanidae
Tabanus spp.
Two different tabanids were collected from Ain Soda. Species belonging to
this family feed on blood and are important vectors in transmitting Babesia
o parasites among camels. Saliba (1977) listed eight species from Azraq Oasis.
Asilidae
Apoclea femoralis (Wiedemann)
Collected and seen once in thick vegetation at Ain Soda. Their coloration
mimics that of branches on which they wait for prey, usually butterflies and
dragonflies.
Bombyliidae
Anastoechus trisignatus Portschinsky
The Cowardly Bee fly was common near the Qa area close to Munflat. It was
associated with low-ground vegetation, especially yellow-flowered plants.
Syrphidae
Metasyrphus luniger (Meigen)
Apparently the Great Tiger is the only hoverfly representative at Azraq.
During early April, it was very common along AI·Munflat, but subsequently
became scarce. Later on, the population increased dramatically during mid-May
at Ain Soda. Examples were observed resting and perching on the tips of the
Juncus.
Calliphoridae
Lucilia sp.
The winter green bottles frequent carrion and sometimes deposit their eggs in
the wounds oflive animals. Specimens were collected from near the carcass of a
dog at Ain Soda.

64 EntQmOlogist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy
A rather common species that frequents the carcasses of dead animals.
HYMENOPTERA
Spbecidae
Stizus marnonis Handlirsch
The Yellow Digger was collected during early June from Ain Soda. Little
information is available on its biology and habits.
Bembex dahlpomi Handlirsch
The Olive Wasp Digger digs shallow burrows in the soil and uses it to trap
ants and other small insects that may enter these burrows. It is small in size and
distributed in southern and eastern Jordan.
COLEOPTERA
Carabidae
Semites sp.
The Sabre-toothed Beetle was collected from Ain Soda. Specimens were
found under boulders along with other beetles and centipedes. Moisture seems
to be an essential requirement for the distribution of this beetle.
Coccinellidae
Coccinella septempunaata L.
The Seven-spot Ladybird is quite common in all the study sites. They move
freely among the vegetation but are attacked by dragonflies.
Tenebrionidae
Schawaller (1982) reported on some of the tenebrionids of the Middle East.
and included some records from Jordan.
Adesmia cancellata KIug
The Pitted Beetle is a rather common species at Azraq. Specimens were
collected from Ain Soda, Nakheel and Munflat. It was observed during the day,
contrary to most other beetles seen at Azraq, but many exoskeletons were also
found in owl pellets, which would suggest that the species is mainly active at
night.
Adesmia ukerosa Klug
Three specimens were collected, 5.xii.l992.
Gonocephalum perplexum Lucas
Several specimens were collected during 1992 from Azraq and the Azraq
highway.

Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
65
Opatroides punctulatus Brulle
Rather a common species, collected during 1992-1994.
Scleron armatum (Waltl)
Seven specimens were collected, 31.i.1994.
Tentyria discicollis Reiche
Founeen specimens were taken, 25.xiLI992.
Thriptera asplwltides Reiche
Four specimens were collected, 25.xii.l992.
Ocnoera hispida (ForsklU)
This is another common tenebrionid at Azraq. The Scarce Stalker was found
in groups of six or more under stones or boulders at Ain Soda. They are
recognized by the presence of hairs or spines on the dorsum, with little soil
panicles on their sides. They feed on decomposed material.
Tenebrio molitor L.
The Flour Beetle was captured in large numbers by using pitfall traps. It
seems to be very common throughout the reserve, where it seeks refuge in small
burrows. Seldom seen by day.
Tribolium castaneum Herbst
The Red Flour Beetle shares the same habitat as the Flour Beetle.
Oxycara laevigatum Reiche
A small-sized beetle that was collected in pitfall traps near AI-Nakheel. The
Pellet Beetle has a wide distribution and is also found near human habitation.
Zophosis complanata Solier
A fast-running beetle that can exceptionally hide in the sand and is difficult
to obtain. Specimens collected were covered with fine dust.
Zophosis punctata Brulle
Five specimens were taken at Azraq, 25.xii.l992.
Meloidae
Meloe def/exus Reitter
One specimen was collected, 25.xii.1992.
Scarabaeidae
Aphodius wollastoni Harold
The Pale Dung Beetle was recovered from animal excrement within the
reserve. It is small in size and is shiny brown in colour. Many specimens were
taken near AI-Nakheel.

66 Entomologist's Gazette (1997) Vol. 48
Acknowledgements
Our appreciation to Mr Raji A1-Horani and Mr Mohamed AI-Noty for their
effort and help during this study.
We thank the Azraq Oasis Conservation Project director, Dr Ghaith Fariz,
for continuous support during this study which was sponsored by a UNFDP/
GEF funded project and the government of the Hashimite Kingdom ofJordan.
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