author(s)
Debabrata Karmakar, Babuji and Sangita Shukla

abstract
Odonates are among one of the primitive group of insects, that first to have evolved for flight. Their diversity signifies a lot about the health of the environment, as they are often specialists with very narrow ecological niches. Although some species can be found in a wide range of habitats, some species are exclusive depending on certain environmental parameters. Water quality is one such factor. The present study was carried out in four water bodies in and around the Golapbag and Tarabag campuses of the University of Burdwan. The water quality index was calculated using five parameters: pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), Electrolyte Conductivity (EC), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). The area with the lowest water quality index (good water quality) showed the highest species richness, and the area with the highest water quality index (polluted water) showed the lowest species richness. The species Brachythemis contaminata Fabricius, 1793 and Lestes umbrinus Selys, 1891 were most abundant in the highly polluted water body while Bradinopyga geminata Rambur, 1842, Crocothemis servilia Drury, 1773, and Trithemis festiva Rambur, 1842 were abundant in areas having good water quality. This difference in abundance shows their indicator efficiency. Although some species are generalists, the species richness was recorded to increase from poor to good water quality.