Diversity and seasonal occurrence of odonates in the dry deciduous ecoregion of Purulia, West Bengal, India

A year-long study was conducted in the dry deciduous ecoregion of Purulia, West Bengal, India from March 2018 to February 2019 document diversity, species composition, and occurrence odonata different seasons. Direct search opportunistic sighting methods were used combination at five selected sites, namely, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University campus, Saheb Bandh, Surulia Deer Park (Mini Zoo), Ketika, Kansai river-side. total 11,471 individuals belonging 8 families 40 recorded during period. Anisoptera (dragonflies) represented by 29 4 families, whereas Zygoptera (damselflies) also found be but only 11 species. Libellulidae largest family 24 species, while ground skimmer Diplacodes trivialis most dominant Species richness highest post-monsoon, Shannon diversity index reach maximum values winter. Overall, we conclude that town Purulia its adjoining area with patchy vegetation extreme weather conditions have moderate odonate diversity.