Dragonflies are fairly well researched in north-eastern Slovenia, including Goričko. Some 44 species of dragonflies, which amounts to three-fifths of all dragonfly species known in Slovenia, have been identified in the wetland meadows, water sources, strong flowing streams and smaller standing bodies of water in this hilly region.

Dragonflies (Lat. Odonata) are rare insects which have not been exhaustively studied, and which live the majority of their lives as larvae in the water, where they usually gather as adults. Large numbers of dragonflies are therefore dependent mainly on suitable ecological conditions near water. They are most suited to sunny marshes with many types of thriving marsh flora and as few fish as possible. Unregulated streams, swamps, highly managed ponds and smaller, not too overgrown puddles will produce a palette of colourful dragonflies from May to September which will delight any nature lover.

Dragonflies are divided into two groups: damselflies and dragonflies. The former are much smaller and have bodies like matchsticks, and both sets of wings are identical. Dragonflies are larger and more robust, with their entire head covered with large composite eyes, and they keep their heavily veined anterior wings widely spread when at rest. Aerial acrobatics and wonderful colouration are the trademarks of dragonflies, which despite their fearsome name are completely harmless to humans, since they don't sting or bite and are not poisonous. However, many species of small bugs and aquatic animals have good reason to be frightened of them - both their larvae and adult dragonflies are very successful predators and make an important contribution to the maintenance of the dynamic natural equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems.

The most common types of dragonflies found in Goričko include the Blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans), Azure damselfly (Coenagrion puella), White-legged damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes), Southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea) and Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa), which are highly adaptable species with no special ecological demands. By the lowland streams we find the common Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens), which we can recognize by its fluttering flight and wings with large metallic blue spots. Their even more common nearest relative, the Beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), whose bodies and wings are completely emerald green to metallic blue, are more fond of the faster flowing streams of Goričko. During May and June near water sources and the edge of the forest we can find an attractive member of the damselfly family - the Large red damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula), and a bit later in the year we find the rare Cordulegaster bidentata and the much more common Cordulegaster heros. These species are only found near springs and hillside streams, where their large larvae live buried in the sand. Like the Green club-tailed dragonfly (Ophiogomphus cecilia), the Cordulegaster heros is classified in the supplemental II and IV Habitat of the FFH directives of the EU, which gives the various species of the streams of Goričko European scientific importance. Of the interesting species which inhabit the larger standing bodies of water, we should mention the mysterious Epitheca bimaculata, which is extremely rare in central Europe, and the metallic green Yellow-spotted dragonfly (Somatochlora flavomaculata), which we will find with some luck among the wetland meadows and marshes. In the wetlands which sometimes dry out completely during the summer, we can find the rare Southern emerald damselfly (Lestes barbarus) in Slovenia. In similar environments from the summer to the autumn we can find various species of darters, whose males are adorned with various red shades and patterns. The most noble of their ranks are the endangered Sympetrum depressiusculum and the extremely rare Banded darter (Sympetrum pedemontanum), whose wings are striped with dark brown lateral bands.

As we know, all efforts at protection of the majority of endangered species are possible only with the preservation of their habitat, and this is certainly true of efforts to save endangered species of dragonflies. From the perspective of odonatology the most important areas to preserve in Goričko are the wetlands, flooded meadows and unregulated streams, which to a great extent is also covered by the conservation of numerous other endangered plants and animals. Dragonflies from this perspective can be an important biological indicator group, which gives research in odonatology increased scientific importance.

Suggested link:
For more on the biology and ecology of dragonflies and the activities of Slovene odonatologists, see the website of the Slovene Odonatological Association: www.odonatolosko-drustvo.si.

A metallic blue body and tail adorn the male Beautiful demoiselle Calopteryx virgo, which can be found along Goričko streams from May to July (photo: M. Bedjanič).	Dragonfly mating is something special in the animal kingdom and is performed in a position called the Wheel. The tiny White-legged damselfly Platycnemis pennipes is one of the most common species in Goričko. (photo: M. Bedjanič).	The Sympetrum depressiusculum is rare and endangered in Slovenia. The tail of the male is a beautiful burnt red, while the female is adorned with slightly more subtle brown shades (photo: M. Bedjanič).
Near the preserved streams of Goričko we can often encounter the Cordulegaster heros, the largest dragonfly in Europe, which despite its threatening appearance is entirely harmless for humans. (photo: M. Bedjanič).

Matjaž Bedjanič
Kolodvorska 21b, 2310 Slovenska Bistrica, 2000 Maribor;
e-pošta: matjaz.bedjanic@guest.arnes.si

LITERATURA:

• BEDJANIČ, M., 1999. Kačji pastirji - Pisano življenje med vodo in nebom. Proteus 62(1): 4, 8-17, 47.
• BEDJANIČ, M., 2002. O kačjih pastirjih Pomurja in Goričkega. V: A. Gogala (ured.), Narava Slovenije: Mura in Prekmurje, str. 37-41, Prirodoslovni muzej Slovenije, Ljubljana.
• KOTARAC, M., 1997. Atlas kačjih pastirjev (Odonata) Slovenije z Rdečim seznamom: projekt Slovenskega odonatološkega društva. Center za kartografijo favne in flore, Miklavž na Dravskem polju. 205 str.
• ŠALAMUN, A., 2000. Poročilo odonatološke skupine. V: M. Govedič (ured.), Raziskovalni tabor študentov biologije Šalovci '99, str. 23-27, Zveza za tehnično kulturo Slovenije, Ljubljana.