Distribution of the Western Petalura dragonfly Petalura hesperia Watson in Western Australia

Abstract

A comprehensive survey of the Western Petalura dragonfly Petalura hesperia Watson was conducted in December 1995 and January 1996 during the annual flight period, This represents the first systematic survey of the distribution of this dragonfly, which is restricted to the south-west of Western Australia. Survey effort was concentrated around the headwaters of permanent streams with the aim of identifying those habitats most important for the long-term survival of the species. Twelve individuals representing six isolated populations were recorded, raising the total number of recorded localities to 19, although one population (at the type locality) is believed extinct and a further four are under threat from urbanization. The populations are scattered along the eastern fringe of the Darling scarp, between 31° and 32°S latitude and 115° and 116°E longitude.