New insights into Odonata Diversity of the Chaco Ecoregion (Northern Argentina): A Survey Update

This study addresses significant knowledge gaps in the diversity and distribution of Odonata in Northern Argentina, particularly within the Chaco ecoregion. We conducted surveys across 38 sites in the Yungas-Chaco ecotone and Chaco ecoregion, spanning the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, and Tucumán. A total of 923 specimens from 62 species were collected, including adults, larvae, and 62 reared specimens (used to associate life stages). Key results include the successful rearing of 15 species from larva to adult, three of which yielded previously unknown larval descriptions: Orthemis discolor, Nephepeltia leonardina, and Phyllocycla basidenta. The survey also established five new provincial records for Jujuy and Tucumán. Most significantly, eight new species additions to the Argentinean Chaco ecoregion were recorded — including Gynacantha bifida and four Telebasis species — increasing the known Odonata fauna of this ecoregion from 112 to 120 species.