The collection of Odonates (order of flying insects that includes the dragonflies and damselflies) from the AfricaMuseum includes now over 10,000 specimens, and it covers most of the families present on the African continent. This collection shelters more than 130 Types, which represent specimens of high scientific value since they were used to describe a new species or a new taxon.
Adult dragonflies are mostly preserved dry, while larvae are mostly stored in alcohol. The dry collection contains a multitude of unprepared specimens that are still stored in foils. Indeed, given their large size, most of the dried and mounted individuals take up a lot of space in the box collection.
Instead, the preservation in foil, flat, allows us to store a larger number of specimens per box. These specimens can, later, be prepared by anyone who would like to study them.
The collection of Odonates from the AfricaMuseum has been enriched mainly in the first half of the 20th century thanks to surveys undertaken in Congolese National Parks. Many amateur entomologists, missionary fathers and members of the royal family contributed to this collection considerably. The main collectors are: Vrijdagh J., Brédo H.J., Seydel C., Becquaert M., Ghesquière J., Overlaet G.F., Demoulin G.
This collection is mainly maintained by scientists who carry out research on the phylogeny, taxonomy, and biogeography of these fascinating insects. Odonata can colonize all kinds of aquatic environments. Some species are even considered as good bio-indicators of the water quality of wetlands and of the richness of wetlands.
Read more »Image of Orthetrum chrysostigma by Jonathan Whitaker via iNaturalist
On this map you find all the locations of transcribed records of the project "The collection of Odonates from the AfricaMuseum".
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