| Invertebrates comprise a substantial proportion of secondary production in freshwater wetland ecosystems, yet studies of wetland insects focus only on the aquatic forms or on the transition to adulthood (emergence). Insect emergence represents a vital ontogenetic niche shift from a restricted aquatic existence as larvae to aerial modes that integrate wetlands with surrounding habitat. Therefore, study of post-emerged stages of wetland insects is necessary to gain more complete understanding of wetland biodiversity and function in the landscape.; The Odonata (damselflies, dragonflies) are relatively ubiquitous in permanently flooded freshwater wetlands, and they occupy a critical trophic niche in these systems. Furthermore, the adults are easily sampled animals that are sensitive to human disturbance and recommended for wetlands assessment in Europe, Japan, and South Africa. However, requisite baseline information about adult Odonata assemblage patterns is lacking in wetlands of North America, which precludes any pragmatic or ecological advantages of using adults for wetlands assessment. From studies conducted in northern Mississippi, USA, I attempted to build on the understanding that Odonata, in their adult stages, are potentially valuable for conservation of freshwater wetlands. |
