Distribution, ecology and conservation of Aeshna caerulea (Ström, 1793) and Aeshna subarctica elisabethae Djakonov, 1922 (Insecta: Odonata) at the southernmost limits of their range

We provide an overview of the distribution, habitat preference, phenology, and conservation of Aeshna caerulea (Ström, 1793) and Aeshna subarctica elisabethae Djakonov, 1922 in Italy. Both species are found exclusively in the Central Eastern Alps. By 2021, A. caerulea has been reported for 31 sites, whereas A. s. elisabethae for 15. The new southernmost global range limit for A. caerulea was found in the Adamello massif and the new southernmost Western Palearctic limit for A. s. elisabethae in the Tesino plateau (Trentino-Alto Adige). Aeshna caerulea reproduces at high-altitude ponds or small lakes, inundated fens or fen meadows, and occasionally in the depressions within raised bogs. Aeshna s. elisabethae is found at lower altitudes, only at raised bogs and, to a lesser extent, in acidic transitional mires rich in Sphagnum mosses. Forty-six per cent of the reproduction sites of A. caerulea and 93% of those of A. s. elisabethae are included within a national/local protected area or the Natura 2000 network.