Distribution, habitats, phenology and conservation of New Caledonian Odonata
Author
Grand, Daniel
Author
Marinov, Milen
Author
Jourdan, Herve
Author
Cook, Carl
Author
Rouys, Sophie
Author
Mille, Christian
Author
Theuerkauf, Jörn
text
Zootaxa
2019
2019-07-19
4640
1
1
112
journal article
26165
10.11646/zootaxa.4640.1
1c74afbc-0c31-4b2b-b975-af79979613ab
1175-5326
3342242
434B2D49-EC2C-4246-8703-42C6CFD31B87
Isosticta robustior
Ris, 1915
(
Fig. 29
)
Isosticta robustior
Ris, 1915: 66
.
Distribution
(
Fig. 30
). Endemic to
New Caledonia
. This large species is recorded from more than 40 localities in the mountains of Grande Terre.
Kimmins (1958)
recorded it from Lifou but this island has no rivers so individuals must have dispersed from Grande Terre.
FIGURE 28.
Records of
Isosticta humilior
.
Habitat.
This species occurs on creeks with rocky beds in hilly forest environments. It seems to avoid ultramafic soils, especially in the lowlands.
Biology and behaviour.
Larvae were described by
Lieftinck (1976)
. Adults remain around water, resting for long times on riverside vegetation. Oviposition takes place in tandem, the female inserting her eggs into diverse water plants as well as decomposing timber. Sometimes, eggs are laid 2 or
3 m
above the water surface. DG observed a complete emergence on
14
th
January 2010
above the creek on the road of “Le Sanatorium” on the east side of the Col de la Pirogue near Païta, between 07:15 h (larva coming to rest) and 11:45 h (first flight of the imago).
Status.
Isosticta robustior
is widespread on Grande Terre, with sometimes substantial populations, hence we rank it LC.