Orange-spotted emerald

The Orange-spotted emerald (Oxygastra curtisii) is a rare species of dragonfly belonging to the family Corduliidae. It is essential to clarify that this insect is not a plant pest. In fact, it is a protected species in many parts of its range, acting as a critical indicator of clean, high-quality freshwater ecosystems.

Systematically, it is classified within the order Odonata. Adults are known for their metallic green body with distinctive orange-yellow spots along the abdomen. The aquatic larvae, known as naiads, live on the substrate of slow-flowing rivers and streams, where they thrive in well-oxygenated water enriched with vegetation.

The biology of Oxygastra curtisii is strictly linked to stable freshwater habitats. The life cycle involves a lengthy larval development stage in the water, followed by metamorphosis into a flying adult. Adults are opportunistic predators, capturing small insects while patrolling their territories along riverbanks.

Regarding its agricultural impact, this species poses absolutely no threat to crops. It does not feed on vegetation, nor does it cause any mechanical damage to plant tissues. It serves a beneficial role in the environment by keeping populations of flying insects in check within riparian buffer zones near agricultural fields.

Conservation strategies are focused on the protection and recovery of this endangered species rather than pest management. Key conservation measures include:

• Protection of clean, slow-flowing river habitats.
• Minimizing chemical runoff from nearby agricultural areas.
• Maintaining natural riverine vegetation to provide egg-laying sites.