Connectivity within isolation: dispersal, population genetics, and conservation of the rarest European damselfly

Coenagrion hylas (Trybom, 1899) has a very limited distribution in Europe, lives small, isolated populations, rather specialised habitat demands, and is regarded as the rarest damselfly of Europe. Using combination capture-mark-recapture population genetics, we aimed to evaluate state populations Tyrolean Lech valley test whether exuviae from this species are usable DNA source. was extracted mid-leg tibiae genotyped with species-specific microsatellite markers. The results capture–recapture genetic methods were congruent. an unexpectedly high tendency disperse within valley, covering distances up 30 km, longer than other damselflies, average longevity 12 days maximum lifespan at least 40 days. Low inbreeding coefficients low ranges differentiation across sites provide evidence panmixia, no clear signs inbreeding. current size estimated 1150 males based on recapture data. We further demonstrated that deliver sufficient amount DNA, which will be important for future monitoring. Although C. currently shows appropriate viability most sites, our study indicates management measurements, such creating stepping stone habitats, crucial maintain status. Given dispersal capability species, measurements seem promising.