Gone with the wind: westward dispersal across the Indian Ocean and island speciation in Hemicordulia dragonflies (Odonata: Corduliidae)

摘要: The taxonomy and biogeography of the western representatives largely Papuan-Australian genus Hemicordulia are discussed compared with other alate fauna including butterflies, birds, bats dragonflies. Specimens from Malawi, Mozambique, Reunion, South Africa, Tanzania Uganda were Indian specimens H. asiatica , which they previously regarded conspecific. They found to be distinct described as continental africana n. sp. those Reunion atrovirens three species similis Madagascar virens Mauritius. Insufficient material Seychelles taxon delicata was available; it may represent another insular endemic species. distribution is in light dispersal capacity Odonata taxa similar distributions region, an emphasis on survival ‘oceanic’ continent. Recent (i.e. last few million years) trans-oceanic airborne aided by westward storms, most likely explanation for Africa Ocean islands, well winged animals Asian affinities region. world range insular, broadly excluding continents, demonstrates ‘inverted insularity’: all sites proximity large water bodies, such great African lakes. This pattern related climatological instability these sites, offer suitable cool habitat where competition (temporarily) reduced. prefer conditions, but vulnerable overheating more warm-adapted