First descriptions of the females of Cyclogomphus heterostylus Selys, 1854 and Ictinogomphus distinctus Ram, 1985 from India, with comments on the status of Cyclogomphus wilkinsi Fraser, 1926 (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The present paper deals with the first descriptions of the females of two endemic Gomphid dragonflies of India, namely Cyclogomphus heterostylus Selys, 1854 and Ictinogomphus distinctus Ram, 1985, based on the specimens collected from Maharashtra, India. Additionally present status of Cyclogomphus wilkinsi Fraser, 1926 in India is also discussed.

Quaternary climatic fluctuations and resulting climatically suitable areas for Eurasian owlets.

Aim: The nested pattern in the geographical distribution of three Indian owlets, resulting in a gradient of endemicity, is hypothesized to be an impact of historical climate change. In current time, the Forest Owlet is endemic to central India, and its range is encompassed within the ranges of the Jungle Owlet (distributed through South Asia) and Spotted Owlet (distributed through Iran, South and Southeast Asia). Another phylogenetically close species, Little Owl which is largely Palearctic in distribution, is hypothesized to have undergone severe range reduction during the Last Glacial Maximum, showing a postglacial expansion.

The critically endangered forest owlet Heteroglaux blewitti is nested within the currently recognized Athene clade: A century-old debate addressed.

Range-restricted species generally have specific niche requirements and may often have unique evolutionary histories. Unfortunately, many of these species severely lack basic research, resulting in poor conservation strategies. The phylogenetic relationship of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Heteroglaux blewitti has been the subject of a century-old debate.

Odonata of maharashtra, India with notes on species distribution.

Odonata are freshwater insects spread world-wide. Tropical areas are high Odonata diversity areas. However, there has not been accumulation of extensive baseline data on spatial distribution of these insects from such places.