Species richness of Odonata in selected wetland areas of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, Philippines

Monitoring the environment through indicator species such as Odonata which has an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage allows fast and easy means of evaluating habitat quality. This study aims to examine the species richness of Odonata in nine wetland areas of Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City. A survey using random sampling method was conducted from October to December 2012. Thirty-eight species were recorded under 28 genera and 12 families. Nineteen species are endemic. Species richness of the Odonata in relatively undisturbed areas ranges from 17-20 species. A lower species richness of 6-12 species was recorded in urbanized and disturbed areas. A relatively rare taxa, Rhinagrion reinhardi was recorded in one of the pristine areas. Further surveys in poorly studied and undisturbed areas may result in a higher species richness of Odonata.