Scientists from the University of Exeter and Lund University identified 100 dragonfly and damselfly species that definitely migrate across the globe [1].
This discovery provides a critical baseline for understanding ecological connectivity and how environmental changes may impact the movement of insects across diverse habitats [1].
The global review found that 100 species are confirmed migrants, while an additional 85 species are categorized as possible migrants [1, 2]. When looking only at confirmed cases, these insects represent 1.5% of all dragonfly and damselfly species [1]. If the possible migrants are included, that figure rises to 2.9% [1].
These migrations are not small-scale movements. The researchers said that millions of individuals participate in these journeys, with some insects traveling thousands of kilometres [1]. These flight paths crisscross much of the planet, covering multiple continents and oceans [1, 2].
By documenting the extent of these movements, the study aims to improve the scientific understanding of how these insects interact with different ecosystems. This data is essential for monitoring the potential impacts of environmental change on species that rely on long-distance travel to survive and reproduce [1].
“100 dragonfly and damselfly species that definitely migrate”
The identification of these migratory patterns highlights the interdependence of distant ecosystems. Because these insects move across oceans and continents, local environmental degradation in one region can have cascading effects on populations thousands of kilometres away, making international cooperation essential for their conservation.
