Note on post-eclosion wing expansion anomaly in adult Bradinopyga geminata (Odonata: Libellulidae)
Meehir Pawar
In odonates, wing morphology plays a crucial role in their flight behavior, influencing aerial predation, reproduction, and dispersal. Bradinopyga geminata, a species of dragonfly, was observed exhibiting a post-eclosion wing expansion anomaly, where one of the hindwings failed to expand fully. The observed individual, a female, was found perching on a stone wall in a residential area near open water tanks in Poynad, Alibag, Maharashtra, on 18th August 2023. The left hindwing of the dragonfly was noted to be shriveled with darkened, sclerotized veins, preventing full expansion. The length of the unexpanded wing was 9.7 mm, while the opposite hindwing measured within the normal range of 33-36 mm, as described by Fraser (1936). The occurrence of post-eclosion wing expansion anomalies is rare in odonates, though wing damage or failure to expand can severely affect their flight performance, predation abilities, and vulnerability to predators. Such anomalies are often caused by physical factors such as wind, rain, or competition for emergence sites. Damage to fully expanded wings is common in insects and can negatively impact fitness and locomotion. The study highlights the rarity of such post-eclosion anomalies in natural settings, although they can contribute to mortality and reduced ecological fitness in odonates. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these anomalies and their potential ecological consequences.