INTRODUCTION

Insects constitute one of the most diverse taxonomic groups across the globe that perform an essential role in ecosystem functioning, yet the knowledge on their diversity, ecology, and population trends remains abysmally poor (Van Klink et al., 2024). Of the nearly 2.17 million described species on Earth, one million are insects (IUCN, 2025). Among these, Odonata is an ancient order of Pterygota with a fossil record dating back to the Permian period (299-251) million years ago. Based on phenotypic features, the order Odonata is categorized into three suborders: Anisoptera, Zygoptera, and Anisozygoptera (Goswami et al., 2025). They are amphibiotic, hemimetabolous insects with a three-stage life cycle i.e., egg, naiad, and adult (Din et al., 2013; Goswami et al., 2025).

Odonates consume mosquito larvae, fish fry, and tadpoles, and serve as a food source for birds, fish, spiders, and beetles, thereby forming part of the food web and food chain of various animals (Zia et al., 2018). They prey on crop pests, mosquitoes, noxious flies, jassids, aphids, bollworms, and blackflies (Subramanian, 2005). Adults are utilized in soup (Boyd, 2005), and larvae serve as fishing bait (Rowe, 2003). They act as biocontrol agents against vectors of dengue, malaria, and filariasis (Mitra, 2006). Some species are used in the treatment of throat, eye infections and fever (Rehman et al., 2020). 

Odonates are cosmopolitan in distribution except Antarctica (Silsby, 2001). Currently, the Odonata fauna of the world is divided into 3 orders, 17 superfamilies, 55 families and 687 genera containing 6447 species (Carter et al., 2026).  In the neighboring countries with broadly similar ecology, China supports 818 species (Sandall et al., 2022). India harbors 508 species (Goswami et al., 2025), Iran houses 100 species (Schneider et al., 2018), and Afghanistan is represented by 62 species (Asahina, 1966). However, the Odonata fauna of Pakistan was represented by 127 species, including 73 Anisoptera and 54 Zygoptera (Kalkman et al., 2020). With the addition of four newly recorded species: Sympetrum hypomelas from District Swabi (Nur-Ul-Islam et al., 2021), Aeshna mixta from District Neelam (Zia et al., 2024), Anisogomphus caudalis from District Buner (Inam et al., 2025), and Cephalaeschna klapperichi from District Upper Dir (Ullah et al., 2026), the Anisoptera species of Pakistan have increased to 77. With these records, the Odonata fauna of Pakistan now comprises 131 species, representing 77 Anisoptera and 54 Zygoptera. 

Ecologically, the study area is featured with diverse habitats like rivers, streams, marshes, perennial springs, manmade earthen ponds, water channels, storage tanks, waterfalls, and bogs, which provide a favourable abode for Odonata species. The study area is characterized by four seasons, of which summer is prolonged, with July being the warmest month, in which temperatures range from 15°C–32°C, while January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C–11°C. The area receives an average rainfall of 1468.8 mm in December and 253.7 mm in March (Ullah et al., 2014; Rawan et al., 2022). The study area is also facing challenges like deforestation, urbanization, and a gradual change in water quality, especially in forested streams and rivers, due to human activities, which affect the habitat of the Odonata (Dudgeon, 2010), and a reduction in the species mass is already noticed, due to overpopulation and pollution (Zia et al., 2011). Considering the ecological importance of the study area and the ecological and medical services provided by Odonata, the current study was undertaken to explore the Odonata fauna of the region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Area: Lower Dir District is located in the Malakand Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The district lies in the foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountains range between 34º37′ to 35º07′ N latitude and 71º31′ to 72º14′ E longitude (Ullah et al., 2020). The study area covers an area of approximately 1583 km², with an average elevation ranging between 700–2800 meters above sea level. It shares boundaries with Afghanistan and Bajaur in the west, Upper Dir in the north, Swat in the east, and Malakand District in the south (Ahmad et al., 2020). A GIS-based map was designed to depict geographical boundaries, spatial extent, and sampling localities across the study area (Figure 1).

Fig 1: Location Map of the study area showing Pakistan, KPK, Malakand Division and sampling localities in the foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountain range, Lower Dir

Methodology: Comprehensive field surveys were conducted randomly during the year 2024 in localities such as Talash, Bandagai, Ouch, Chakdara, Khazana, Garrah, Makhai, Munda, Mayaro, Sadbar Kaly, Samarbagh, Kambat, Shahi Top, Timergara, Paito Dara, Sado, Balambat, Malakand Dara, Shatai, Koto, Hajiabad, Hayaseri, Manial, Kumbar, Ziamdara, Mirgam, Beshgram, Odigram, Khal, Toormang, and Rabat (Figure 1). Adult specimens were collected by three collectors at each locality. At each site, standardized sampling was carried out for 2–3 hours per visit using aerial nets during peak flight hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm, which were determined based on repeated field observations. This sampling period may have poorly represented species exhibiting early morning and crepuscular activity. However, such species are relatively uncommon in comparison with the predominantly diurnal Odonata fauna.  Specimens were killed in bottles containing ethyl-acetate wet swabs and then placed in triangular paper envelopes, and labelled with locality, date and collector, while other information was noted in the field diary. The material was transferred to the laboratory, where hard and dried specimens were softened in a humid chamber at room temperature for 12 hours at a relative humidity of 80-90% to relax tissues and restore flexibility for subsequent proper stretching and pinning. Specimens were mounted in insect boxes with Naphthalene balls fixed in the corners, and Coopex powder, with ingredient permethrin, was sprayed to protect them from the attack of pests, mites, and crawling insects (Zia et al., 2011; Hafeez et al., 2021). Specimens were identified in the biosystematics laboratory at the National Insect Museum, under a stereoscope (Model: Olympus SZX7, Japan) by comparing with taxonomic keys and following the descriptions of Fraser (1933-1936); Zia (2010); Chaudhry (2010).  All the identified specimens were properly labelled, mounted in insect boxes, and deposited in the National Insect Museum (NIM) at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, as reference material for future studies. 

RESULTS

The present study documented a total of 321 Anisoptera specimens, identified as 26 species and subspecies, categorized into 15 genera, and 3 families. By comparison, 72 Zygoptera specimens, recognized as 06 species and subspecies, were classified into 05 genera and 4 families (Table 1). For each species, a detailed description is provided, including the valid name, sex ratio, locality with altitude and coordinates, date of collection, previous records from Pakistan, global distribution, habitat description and zoogeographical affiliation. The current study recorded a sum of 32 species and subspecies from the study area.

Table 1: Odonata species recorded during the current study and their presence or absence across the provinces of Pakistan as well as in bordering countries

Order Odonata Fabricius, 1793

Family Libellulidae Leach, 1815

Genus Orthetrum Newman, 1833

Orthetrum triangulare triangulare (Selys, 1878)

Material examined: 3♂ 1♀, Hayaserai, 34°55ʹ48ʺ N, 71°48ʹ36ʺ E, 971 m, 19.vii.2024; 3♂, Mirgam, 35°1ʹ48ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 1702 m, 18.vii.2024; 2♂ 1♀, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688m, 29.vii.2024; 3♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 3♂, Talash, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°51ʹ36ʺ E, 833 m, 16.vii.2024; 1♂ 1♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 1♂, Beshgram, 34°59ʹ24ʺ N, 71°51ʹ0ʺ E, 1370 m, 18.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan (Rafi et al., 2009; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Rehman et al., 2020; Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Islam et al., 2024; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh (Kalkman et al., 2020), Iran, Armenian and Asia Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021). China (Wilson and Reels, 2001), Hong Kong, Thailand, Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnam (Chaudhry, 2010).

Habitat: Specimens of this species were collected from rocks and vegetation along small moving streams, rivers, springs, stagnant waters, and marshes. Specimens were recorded previously from puddles, tanks, and slow-moving water with vegetation (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum (Rambur, 1842)

Material examined: 2♂, Hayaserai, 34°55ʹ48ʺ N, 71°48ʹ36ʺ E, 971 m, 19.vii.2024; 2♂, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 3♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 1♂, Talash, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°51ʹ36ʺ E, 833 m, 16.vii.2024; 1♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, Sindh, AJK and, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Rafi et al., 2009; Iqbal et al., 2013; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Bhatti et al., 2020; Rehman et al., 2020; Hafeez et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand (Chaudhry, 2010). India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka (Kalkman et al., 2020), China (Wilson and Reels, 2001), and Armenian, Iranian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021).

Habitat: Specimens were collected along slow-running streams, stationary waters, near springs, marshes, and water channels. Specimens were recorded earlier from standing waters, and slow-running streams in mountainous and sub-mountainous areas (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Orthetrum luzonicum (Brauer, 1868)

Material examined: 3♂ 1♀, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024; 5♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024; 4♂, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 2♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 3♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, Baluchistan, AJK and Northern Areas (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Islam et al., 2024; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam (Chaudhry, 2010), India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh (Kalkman et al., 2020), China (Wilson and Reels, 2001), and Iran (Schneider et al., 2018).

Habitat: This species was recorded from swampy places along slow-running streams, rivers, and near lentic waters.  Specimens were collected earlier from stones in open stationary shallow water in mountainous areas (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Orthetrum glaucum (Brauer, 1865)

Material examined: 3♂ 1♀, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Rafi et al., 2009; Zia et al., 2009; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Taiwan (Chaudhry, 2010), India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan (Kalkman et al., 2020), China (Wilson, 2008; Zhang, 2011), and Indonesia (Hastomo et al., 2022).

Habitat: This species was documented from marshy places with dense grasses near springs and streams. Specimens were collected in a prior study from small gullies, marshes, streams, and ponds in hilly areas (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, and Indo-Australian.

Orthetrum coerulescens anceps (Schneider, 1845)

Material examined: 2♂, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 1♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 2♂, Talash, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°51ʹ36ʺ E, 833 m, 16.vii.2024; 1♂ 1♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 2♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024; 2♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Northern Areas, AJK, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Rehman et al., 2020; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Europe, Kazakhstan, Caucasus, and Turkey (Chaudhry, 2010), India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Iran (Sadeghi and Mohammadalizadeh, 2009; Schneider et al., 2018), Armenian, Iranian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), Russia (Malikova and Kosterin, 2019), and Italy (La Porta et al., 2023).

Habitat: Specimens were recorded from marshy places with spring water, stationary waters along the river, and water channels. This species was recorded earlier near running and stagnant water with dense vegetation (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Orthetrum cancellatum (Linnaeus, 1758)

Material examined: 4♂ 1♀, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Gilgit Baltistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Bhatti et al., 2020; Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Sidra et al., 2022).

Global distribution: Africa, Europe, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Turkey (Chaudhry, 2010). India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Uzbekistan (Sh et al., 2021), Turkish (Hacet, 2017), Siberia (Borisov, 2021), Italy (Assandri, 2019), Ireland (Nelson et al., 2011), Iran (Sadeghi and Mohammadalizadeh, 2009; Schneider et al., 2018), Armenian, Iranian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), Germany (Henningsen et al., 2020), Russian Federation (Shapoval and Shapoval, 2017; Malikova and Kosterin, 2019).

Habitat: Specimens were collected from vegetation near spring water along a slow-moving stream. Earlier collected from riverbanks, standing, and slow-running water (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, and Afrotropical.

Orthetrum sabina sabina (Drury, 1770)

Material examined: 2♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 1♂ 1♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 2♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024; 3♂ 1♀,  Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Sindh, Punjab, and Baluchistan (Rafi et al., 2009; Iqbal et al., 2013; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2016; Shaikh et al., 2019; Zia et al., 2019; Bhatti et al., 2020; Hafeez et al., 2021; Rehman et al., 2020; Attaullah et al., 2021; Naeem et al., 2022; Sidra et al., 2022; Ahmed et al., 2023; Islam et al., 2024; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Oman (Schneider and Ikemeyer, 2016), Uzbekistan (Sh et al., 2021), United Arab Emirate (Giles, 1998), Saudi Arabia (Monnerat and AlDhafe, 2016), Indonesia (Hastomo et al., 2022), China (Wilson and Reel, 2001), Iran (Sadeghi and Mohammadalizadeh, 2009; Schneider et al., 2018), Iranian, Armenian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), and Russian Federation (Malikova and Kosterin, 2019).

Habitat: This species was recorded from small running streams, rivers, and stationary waters with grasses. Recorded earlier from stagnant waters along rivers and streams (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indo-Australian.

Genus Sympetrum Newman, 1833

Sympetrum vulgatum decoloratum Selys, 1884

Material examined: 6♂ 2♀, Shahi Top, 35º11ʹ24ʺ N, 71º36ʹ00ʺ E, 2286 m, 8.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Rehman et al., 2020; Nur-ul-Islam et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Sidra et al., 2022). 

Global Distribution: Turkey (Chaudhry, 2010), Uzbekistan (Sh et al., 2021), Iranian, Armenian and Asia Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), Russian Federation (Malikova and Kosterin, 2019), and Iran (Schneider et al., 2018).

Habitat: Specimens were collected from vegetation near spring water. In a former study documented from stationary and slow running water with dense vegetation (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Sympetrum meridionale (Selys, 1841)

Material examined: 1♂, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 1♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Rafi et al., 2009; Chaudhry et al., 2016).

Global distribution: Mongolia, Africa, Caucasus, European Russia, Kazakhstan, and West Siberia (Chaudhry, 2010). India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Uzbekistan (Sh et al., 2021), Turkey (Hacet, 2017), Italy (Assandri, 2019), Armenian, Iranian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), Russian Federation (Shapoval and Shapoval, 2017; Malikova and Kosterin, 2019), and Iran (Schneider et al., 2018).

Habitat: Specimens were documented from spring water with dense vegetation along the river and streams. Collected previously from shallow waters and swamps (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, and Afrotropical.

Sympetrum striolatum commixtum (Selys, 1884)

Material examined: 5♂, Shahi Top, 35º11ʹ24ʺ N, 71º36ʹ00ʺ E, 2286 m, 8.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, and Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016;  Zia et al., 2019; Rehman et al., 2020; Nur-ul-Islam et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Islam et al., 2024; Rashied et al., 2024).  

Global distribution: India, Bhutan, and Nepal (Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: Collected from dense vegetation near stagnant and slow-running springs. Chaudhry (2010) recorded from vegetation near slow-running water. 

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Genus Trithemis Brauer, 1868

Trithemis festiva (Rambur, 1842)

Material examined: 2♂, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 1♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 2♂, Talash, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°51ʹ36ʺ E, 833 m, 16.vii.2024; 2♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Northern Areas (Rafi et al., 2009; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Rehman et al., 2020; Attaullah et al., 2021; Naeem et al., 2022; Islam et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka (Kalkman et al., 2020), China (Wilson, 2008), Iran (Sadeghi and Mohammadalizadeh, 2009), Iranian, Armenian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), Burma, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Taiwan, and Turkey (Chaudhry, 2010).

Habitat: Specimens were collected from rocks in streams, shallow stationary waters, springs, and water channels. Recorded earlier from ponds, marshy places, slow-moving streams, and vegetation near water in hilly and plain areas (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Trithemis aurora (Burmeister, 1839)

Material examined: 2♂, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 3♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 3♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 3♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, AJK, Gilgit Baltistan, Baluchistan, and Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Attaullah et al., 2021; Rehman et al., 2020; Khan et al., 2016; Rafi et al., 2009; Rashied et al., 2024; Islam et al., 2024; Sidra et al., 2022; Ahmed et al., 2023).

Global distribution: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh (Kalkman et al., 2020), China (Wilson and Reel, 2001), and Iran (Schneider et al., 2018).

Habitat: This species was recorded from spring water with dense grasses and stagnant waters, riverbanks and irrigation channels. Chaudhry (2010) collected from marshy places, slow-running water in hilly and plain areas.

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Trithemis kirbyi Selys, 1891

Material examined: 3♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 2♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, Baluchistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Rehman et al., 2020; Naeem et al., 2022; Ahmed et al., 2023).

Global distribution: Sri Lanka (Chaudhry, 2010), India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Oman (Schneider and Ikemeyer, 2016), UAE (Giles, 1998), Saudi Arabia (Monnerat and Al Dhafe, 2016), Iran (Sadeghi and Mohammadalizadeh, 2009; Schneider et al., 2018), and Germany (Henningsen et al., 2020).

Habitat: This species was observed near spring and stagnant water with vegetation along the river. Recorded earlier from rocks and grasses near streams in hilly areas (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, and Afrotropical.

Genus Crocothemis Brauer, 1868

Crocothemis erythraea (Brulle, 1832)

Material examined: 3♂, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 4♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 4♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 4♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024; 4♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Baluchistan, and Sindh (Rafi et al., 2009; Iqbal et al., 2013; Din et al., 2013; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Rehman et al., 2020; Hafeez et al., 2021; Rashied et al., 2024; Naeem et al., 2022; Sidra et al., 2022; Islam et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Turkey, Caucasus, Africa, Europe, and Kazakhstan (Chaudhry, 2010), Bhutan, Nepal and India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Oman (Schneider and Ikemeyer, 2016), Uzbekistan (Sh et al., 2021), UAE (Giles, 1998), Turkey (Hacet, 2017), Saudi Arabia (Monnerat and Al Dhafer, 2016), Italy (Assandri, 2019), Iran (Sadeghi and Mohammadalizadeh, 2009; Schneider et al., 2018). Russian Federation (Shapoval and Shapoval, 2017; Malikova and Kosterin, 2019), and western Nepal (Sharma et al., 2018).

Habitat: Specimens were collected from irrigation channels, grasses near springs and stationary waters along the river and streams. Chaudhry (2010) collected from grasses near stagnant waters and temporary water pits in hilly and plain areas.

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, and Afrotropical.

Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1770)

Material examined: 2♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 3♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024; 4♂ 2♀, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024; 4♂ 1♀, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 2♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, AJK, Sindh, Baluchistan, and Punjab (Rafi et al., 2009; Iqbal et al., 2013; Rehman et al., 2015; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Rehman et al., 2020; Hafeez et al., 2021; Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Naeem et al., 2022; Sidra et al., 2022; Ahmed et al., 2023; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Japan, Australia, Lao, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Burma, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Peninsular Malaysia (Chaudhry, 2010). Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Uzbekistan (Sh et al., 2021), Caribbean, Puerto Rico (Ramírez, 2020), China (Wilson and Reels, 2001), North America (Paulson and Dunkle, 1999), Iran (Sadeghi and Mohammadalizadeh, 2009), and western Nepal (Sharma et al., 2018).

Habitat: This species was recorded near slow-running streams, channels, and stagnant waters with vegetation along the river. Chaudhry (2010) collected from ponds, marshes, and ditches.

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, Afrotropical, Indo-Australian.

Genus Urothemis Brauer, 1868

Urothemis signata signata (Rambur, 1842)

Material examined: 2♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024; 1♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh (Chaudhry et al., 2016).

Global distribution: India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong (Chaudhry, 2010), Nepal (Kalkman et al., 2020), and China (Wilson, 2008; Wilson and Reel, 2001).

Habitat: Specimens were collected from perennial lentic waters with grasses along the rivers. Chaudhry (2010) recorded near river, standing water and water channels with dense vegetation.

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Genus Palpopleura Rambur, 1842

Palpopleura sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1787)

Material examined: 1♂ 1♀, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 1♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024; 3♂ 1♀, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Baluchistan, and Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Rehman et al., 2020; Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Rafi et al., 2009; Sidra et al., 2022; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan (Kalkman et al., 2020). China (Wilson and Reels, 2001), Iranian, Armenian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), Lao, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong (Chaudhry, 2010).

Habitat: This species was recorded from standing water near river and irrigation channels. Reported earlier from, marshy places and paddies in hilly and plain areas (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, Indo-Australian, and Ethiopian.

Genus Pantala Hagen, 1861

Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798)

Material examined: 3♂ 2♀, Mirgam, 35°1ʹ48ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 1702 m, 18.vii.2024; 2♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 1♂ 1♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, Punjab, and Sindh (Rafi et al., 2009; Din et al., 2013; Iqbal et al., 2013; Rehman et al., 2015; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Attaullah et al., 2021; Hafeez et al., 2021; Naeem et al., 2022; Islam et al., 2024; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Taiwan, Mexico, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Cuba, Guyana, Japan, Venezuela, Indonesia, Colombia (Chaudhry, 2010). India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan (Kalkman et al., 2020), Franc (Meurgey and Poiron, 2012),  Russia Federation (Shapoval and Shapoval, 2017), Australia (Endersby, 2010), South America (Von Ellenrieder et al., 2017), Italy (La Porta et al., 2023), Argentina (Lozano et al., 2020), Iran (Schneider et al., 2018), Brazil (Koroiva et al., 2017), and China (Wilson, 2008).

Habitat: Specimens were collected from paddies, irrigation channels and near stationary water.  Chaudhry (2010) collected from swarms in crop fields, ponds and playgrounds near water. 

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, Australian, Neotropical, and Nearctic.

Genus Acisoma Rambur, 1842

Acisoma panorpoides Rambur, 1842

Material examined: 4♂ 1♀, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 2♂ 1♀, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 1♂, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 1♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024; 1♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Punjab, and Sindh (Rafi et al., 2009; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Bhatti et al., 2020; Rehman et al., 2020; Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Hafeez et al., 2022; Naeem et al., 2022; Sidra et al., 2022; Islam et al., 2024; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Myanmar, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, and Taiwan (Chaudhry, 2010). India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan (Kalkman et al., 2020), Oman (Schneider and Ikemeyer, 2016), Armenian, Iranian and Asian Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), and China (Wilson, 2008).

Habitat: This species was documented near standing and spring waters with grasses along the riverbanks. Chaudhry (2010) recorded from stationary shallow waters with dense vegetation.

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, Palearctic, and Indo-Australian.

Genus Libellula Linnaeus, 1758

Libellula quadrimaculata Linnaeus, 1758

Material examined: 1♂ 1♀, Khazana, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°46ʹ12ʺ E, 688 m, 29.vii.2024; 3♂ 1♀, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 2♂ 1♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 4♂ 2♀, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Gilgit Baltistan (Zia et al., 2009; Chaudhry et al., 2016).

Global distribution: Turkey, Europe, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia (Chaudhry, 2010). Nepal and India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Iran (Schneider et al., 2018), Russian Federation (Shapoval and Shapoval, 2017; Malikova and Kosterin, 2019), North America ((Paulson and Dunkle, 1999), Iran, Armenian and Asia Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021), Ireland (Nelson et al., 2011), Italy (Assandri, 2019), and Siberia (Borisov, 2021).

Habitat: Specimens of this species were collected from still water along the river, and in irrigation channels. However, previously reported from standing and slow-moving waters (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Genus Brachythemis Brauer, 1868

Brachythemis contaminata (Fabricius, 1793)

Material examined: 3♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, Baluchistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Iqbal et al., 2013; Chaudhry et al., 2016; Rehman et al., 2020; Sidra et al., 2022; Islam et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Burma, Hong Kong, Peninsular Malaysia, Japan, and Philippines (Chaudhry, 2010). India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (Kalkman et al., 2020), Indonesia (Hastomo et al., 2022), China (Wilson and Reels, 2001), and Iran (Schneider et al., 2018).

Habitat: This species was recorded from irrigation channels in the crops.  Earlier collected from lentic water with grasses and shady spots near small, running water (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Genus Zygonyx Hagen, 1867

Zygonyx torridus isis Fraser, 1924

Material examined: 3♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Rehman et al., 2020).

Global distribution: Known from India (Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: This species was documented from irrigation channels and stationary water in crops. Specimens were collected earlier from slow-running water (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Family Gomphidae Rambur, 184

Genus Ictinogomphus Cowley, 1934

Ictinogomphus angulosus (Selys, 1854)

Material examined: 5♂ 1♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 6♂ 2♀, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Rehman et al., 2020; Sidra et al., 2022).

Global distribution: Nepal, and India (Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: Specimens were collected from perennial stagnant waters with vegetation along the river. Chaudhry (2010) documented from lentic waters and water channels in mountains. Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Genus Gomphidia Selys, 1854

Gomphidia t-nigrum Selys, 1854

Material examined: 2♂ 1♀, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016; Naeem et al., 2022).

Global distribution: India, and Nepal (Chaudhry, 2010; Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: Specimens were recorded from perennial stagnant water with grasses along river. Specimens were collected previously from the edge of small dam, and ponds (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Genus Paragomphus Cowley, 1934

Paragomphus lineatus (Selys, 1850)

Material examined: 1♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 2♂, Talash, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°51ʹ36ʺ E, 833 m, 16.vii.2024; 3♂, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan:  Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Rafi et al., 2009; Chaudhry, 2010).

Global distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and India (Kalkman et al., 2020), Iran (Schneider et al., 2018), Armenian and Asia Minor Highlands (Ketenchiev et al., 2021).

Habitat: This species was recorded from streams, and standing waters along the river. Earlier recorded from elevated flora, sandy edges near lentic and lotic water (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Family Aeshnidae Leach, 1815

Genus Anax Leach, 1815

Anax indicus Lieftinck, 1942

Material examined: 2♂, Beshgram, 34°59ʹ24ʺ N, 71°51ʹ0ʺ E, 1370 m, 18.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab (Chaudhry et al., 2016).

Global distribution: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka (Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: Specimens were collected near the river and spring with vegetation. Specimens were collected in a prior study from standing water (Chaudhry, 2010).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Suborder Zygoptera Selys, 1854

Family Coenagrionidae Kirby, 1890

Genus Ceriagrion Selys, 1876

Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabricius, 1798)

Material examined: 3♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024; 3♂ 1♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024; 2♂ 1♀, Garraha Kotkai, 34°47ʹ24ʺ N, 71°43ʹ48ʺ E, 706 m, 21.vii.2024; 1♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan (Khaliq and Maula, 1999; Zia, 2010).

Global distribution: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka (Kalkman et al., 2020). 

Habitat: Specimens were documented from irrigation channels, paddies, and near standing water.  Zia et al. (2011) collected from paddies, grasses, and weeds near lentic and lotic water.

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Genus Pseudagrion Selys, 1876

Pseudagrion rubriceps rubriceps Selys, 1876

Material examined: 2♂, Balambat, 34°49ʹ12ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 800 m, 24.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Kanth, 1985; Rafi et al., 2009; Zia, 2010, 2016).

Global distribution: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan (Kalkman et al., 2020), and China (Wilson and Reels, 2001; Zhang, 2011).

Habitat: Specimens were observed in rice fields. Documented previously from rice fields, stagnant, running waters and grasses near water bodies (Zia et al., 2011).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental, and Palearctic.

Family Calopterygidae Selys, 1850

Genus Neurobasis Selys, 1853

Neurobasis chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Material examined: 8♂ 2♀, Munda, 34°48ʹ36ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 730 m, 25.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Khaliq, 1990; Khaliq and Maula, 1999; Rafi et al., 2009; Zia, 2010, 2016; Zia et al., 2019; Mehmood et al., 2021; Naeem et al., 2022; Islam et al., 2024).

Global distribution: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh (Kalkman et al., 2020) and, China (Wilson and Reels, 2001; Zhang, 2011).

Habitat: This species was recorded from running spring water with grasses. Earlier observed near fast moving streams, submerged grasses, paddies and swamps (Zia et al., 2011). 

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Family Chlorocyphidae Cowley, 1937

Genus Aristocypha Laidlaw, 1950

Aristocypha quadrimaculata Selys, 1853

Material examined: 2♂, Talash Bandagai, 34°44ʹ24ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 759 m, 16.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Kanth, 1985; Khaliq, 1990; Khan et al., 2008; Rafi et al., 2009; Zia, 2010, 2016 Attaullah et al., 2021; Mehmood et al., 2021; Naeem et al., 2022).

Global distribution:  India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal (Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: This species was documented from spring water with small grasses.  Previously, it was recorded along seasonal water stream, rocks adjacent to lotic water, rivers, and partially submerged grasses and hide in gaps between the edges of stones (Zia et al., 2011).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Family Euphaeidae Yakobson & Bainchi 1905

Genus Bayadera Selys, 1853

Bayadera indica (Selys, 1853)

Material examined: 3♂ 1♀, Mirgam, 35°1ʹ48ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 1702 m, 18.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Kanth, 1985; Khaliq, 1990; Khaliq and Siddique, 1995; Khaliq and Maula, 1999; Zia, 2010, 2016; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Bhutan, Nepal, and India (Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: Specimens were recorded from a small stream with big rocks near fields during flight between rocks. Reported earlier from grasses, vegetation and rocks in streams (Zia et al., 2011).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

Bayadera longicauda Fraser, 1928

Material examined: 6♂ 2♀, Mirgam, 35°1ʹ48ʺ N, 71°49ʹ12ʺ E, 1702 m, 18.vii.2024.

Earlier records from Pakistan: Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Yousuf et al., 2000; Zia, 2010; Rashied et al., 2024).

Global distribution: Bhutan, Nepal and India (Kalkman et al., 2020).

Habitat: Documented from a small stream with large stones.  In prior surveys, specimens were recorded from tall vegetation within and around small streams (Zia et al., 2011).

Zoogeographical affiliation: Oriental.

DISCUSSION

Based on physiography, Pakistan possesses four major mountainous ranges: Himalaya, Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and Suleiman (Zia, 2016). The country harbors fauna from three zoogeographical regions: Palearctic, Oriental, and Ethiopian or Afrotropical (Waseem et al., 2025). The Hindu Kush Mountain range is part of the Palearctic realm (Zia et al., 2011) that connects Afghanistan with Pakistan through the Chitral region, and extends northeastward to Gilgit-Baltistan (Baig et al., 2022).

District Lower Dir is located at the foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountain range, is relatively underexplored for Odonata diversity. In previous countrywide surveys, Zia et al. (2011) reported 53 species of Zygoptera representing 21 genera and 9 families, of which 3 species; Ceriagrion coromandelianum, Ischnura rubilio and Ischnura forcipata were recorded from the study area. Similarly, Chaudhry (2010) recorded 68 Anisoptera species belonging to 39 genera and 5 families from Pakistan, with no records from the study area.  Recently, from the study area a preliminary limited survey documented 11 species of Anisoptera, representing seven (7) genera and three (3) families (Perveen et al., 2014). However, these studies ignored 98% of the study area. Geographically district Lower Dir connected to Upper Dir District in the north, from where in a small-scale survey, Islam et al. (2024) documented 17 species belonging to 11 genera and 4 families. Recently a comprehensive study was conducted on the Odonata fauna of Upper Dir, which reported 27 species of Anisoptera representing 12 genera and 3 families including Cephalaeschna klapperichi as a new record for Pakistan and 6 species of Zygoptera belonging to 5 genera and 4 families (Ullah et al., 2026). Another study carried out on the habitat-based diversity of Odonata complex across districts of Dir (Upper & Lower), which reported that riparian and agricultural habitat, each supporting 36 species, followed by springs, forest, and subalpine habitats, harboring 27, 15, and 5 species, respectively. However, alpine pastures yielded no record due to harsh weather conditions (Ullah et al., 2026). On the southern side, River Swat separates the study area from Malakand District, where the Odonata fauna is completely unexplored to date, and both areas are likely to be harboring similar species due to the absence of physical barriers, and similarity in topography, ecological characteristics, and climate.  To the east, the study area is bounded by the Swat District, where a study on the diversity of Odonata revealed 22 species representing 12 genera and 5 families (Attaullah et al., 2021). From the same area, Akbar et al. (2017) reported Anax imperator and Anax parthenope. The study area shares its western boundaries with Bajaur District and Afghanistan, where the Odonata fauna is poorly explored and still seems to have less chances of exploration for many decades due to war on terror situations within and across the border, as these areas were designated as restricted zones and research activities were not permitted. To date, 62 species are reported from Afghanistan (Asahina, 1966), whereas no species have been recorded from Bajaur District. The species recorded from the localities adjacent to the border, such as Samarbagh, Miskini, Shahi, show expected presence in the territory of Afghanistan, and the odonates of these areas may have dispersed from Afghanistan because the regions on both sides of the line of control share similar water resources, vegetation, topography, climatic factors, and other ecological characteristics. Odonates have lived for several generations in favourable habitats, and when their native habitats are disturbed, they can migrate to other suitable habitats (Corbet, 2004). Similarly, odonates are efficient fliers and can fly thousands of miles from their feeding and breeding ground for survival and ideal conditions, and in many instances, adult individuals have been observed away from their naiads (Din et al., 2013). Previous studies reported 11 species of Anisoptera and 03 species of Zygoptera from the area; however, the current study increased this richness to 26 and 6 species, respectively, indicating a significant increase in species diversity. Moreover, it extends the known geographical range of the Odonata fauna of Pakistan. 

Conclusion: The present study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the composition and distribution of Odonata fauna in the foothills of the Hindu Kush range Lower Dir, Pakistan. The results indicate that the study area support a rich diversity of Odonata fauna distributed across a wide range of habitats and altitudinal zones. The present work has substantially expanded the existing knowledge of Odonata fauna by documenting distributional information and updating regional species records. Moreover, it shows the expected occurrence of the same species in Bajaur, Malakand and adjacent regions of Afghanistan. The current study indicates that the study area harbors a rich and largely unexplored insect fauna, highlighting the need for further systematic exploration and biodiversity assessment.

Authors Contributions: All authors contributed to this study. Ikram Ullah contributed to fieldwork, manuscript preparation and identified the specimens. Ahmed Zia helped in the identification of specimens, proofread the manuscript and provided funds for the study through ALP Project (CS-404). Ikram Ilahi provided assistance and guidance in preparation of the materials; Muhammad Inam, Durkhatoon Hayat, Shahida Rashied, Sumera Aslam and Abdul Hakeem contributed in preparation of manuscript.

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding: Pakistan Agricultural Research Council supported this work under grant “ALP (CS-404)”, funded project running at National Insect Museum, NARC, Islamabad-Pakistan.

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