Research conducted by KERISDIMAS BIO-CON in 2022 at the Bandealit Resort area of Meru Betiri National Park revealed the presence of various dragonfly species (Odonata) that continue to thrive in the area. Through observations across several habitat blocks, the research team successfully documented 12 dragonfly species, including several species found only on the island of Java.
List of Recorded Dragonfly Species:
- Copera marginipes
- Euphaea variegata
- Vestalis luctuosa
- Nososticta insignis
- Ischnura senegalensis
- Heliocypha fenestrata
- Crocothemis servilia
- Orthetrum sabina
- Pantala flavescens
- Neurothemis ramburii
- Diplacodes trivialis
- Trithemis festiva
The presence of dragonflies in an area is not merely an addition to biodiversity records. These insects are widely recognized as natural bioindicators, meaning their presence is strongly influenced by environmental quality, particularly water conditions. This indicates that the ecosystem in the Bandealit Resort area is still capable of providing habitats that support the dragonfly life cycle, from the aquatic nymph stage to the adult flying stage on land.
Interestingly, each dragonfly species has different environmental preferences. Some are more active in moist and shaded areas, while others are more commonly found in open spaces with high light intensity. This variation reflects the habitat complexity of Bandealit, which is capable of supporting the survival of multiple species simultaneously.
💡 Interesting Insight: Dragonflies spend most of their lives as larvae in water before transforming into flying insects. Therefore, the presence of adult dragonflies in an area indirectly indicates that the water quality is still sufficiently good to support their larval development.
These findings reinforce the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and surrounding environments from human-induced pressures, as even small changes in environmental quality can directly affect the survival of sensitive species such as dragonflies.