| Megalagrion is a genus of damselflies
in the family Coenagrionidae. It contains approximately 26 species, all
of which are endemic to Hawaii. Larval Megalagrion live in widely diverse
habitats, including the expected streams and pools. Megalagrion also exploit
some surprising habitats such as plant leaf axils, waterfall faces, and
even damp fern litter far from water sources. M. oahuense is the only species
of damselfly whose naiad is terrestrial, living in damp fern litter until
metamorphosis. Many species of Megalagrion are in danger due to habitat
loss and predation by non-native fish.
Megalagrion koelense (Blackburn,
1884) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, it is known from Oahu, Molokai,
Hawaii, Lanai and a historic record from Maui. It is widespread on the
Hawaiin islands, though continuing deforestation will pose a problem to
the species. This species breeds in leaf pockets of water (phytotelmata)
of native plants (Astelia menziesiana and Freycinetia arborea). There are
conservation measures in place, including monitoring the population size
and trend of the species. Whilst research into the biology of Megalagrion
koelense is underway, further research is still needed as well as the restoration
of its habitat.
IUCN Red List accessed as Least Concern.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalagrion
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/159123/0
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