Dyatlova O. Dragonflies (Insecta, Odonata) of the southwestern Ukraine: biodiversity, ecology and conservation.

Thesis for a degree of Candidate of Biological Sciences (Ph. D. (Biology)) by speciality 03.00.16 - ecology. Odessa National I. I. Mechnikov University, MES of Ukraine. - Odesa, 2009. The recent odonate fauna is described. In the study area (Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson provinces) 48 species of dragonflies were recorded, belonging to 21 genera and 8 families. Two species and one subspecies (Sympetrum pedemontanum, Coenagrion scitulum and Orthetrum coerulescens anceps) were recorded for the first time in southwestern Ukraine. The fauna of Zmeiny Island in the Black Sea and National Park "Nizhnednestrovsky" in the lower Dniestr river were almost unstudied before our investigations. Two Zygoptera species (Ischnura elegans and Coenagrion рulchellum) were chosen as model objects for population studies. Age and sex structures of рopulations and the ratio of female morphs were investigated. Morphometry analysis, fecundity and parasite infestation were studied in two I. elegans "infuscans" and "andromorph" female morphs. Based on criteria we have developed, six important dragonfly areas (IDA) were identified. Three IDA are of particular importance: the Danube delta, Dniestr and Dniepr rivers. Key words: dragonflies, Odonata, fauna, phenology, polymorphism, fecundity, parasites, conservation, rare species.