Morphological and molecular evidence supports the species status of the Italian endemic Coenagrion castellani Roberts, 1948 (Coenagrionidae)

Coenagrion castellani Roberts, 1948 was described from Italy as a distinct species almost 75 years ago but has generally not been recognised or treated subspecies of C. mercuriale (Charpentier, 1840). Populations south the Alps were recently shown to be completely isolated genetically those in North Africa and elsewhere Europe. As markings male appendages also allow for easy separation field, is best good species, 146th odonate known Europe second one that endemic Italy. Its identification occurrence are reviewed. African populations too, morphology. Whether these should taxon, e.g. hermeticum (Selys, 1872), requires further research.