Coronate Spiketail
Status: Category II (VUA4bc; B2b(iii,iv); D2). A locally occurring species with a declining population trend. All populations of the subspecies are fragmented, small, and vulnerable. It is of interest for zoogeography, study, and conservation of the regional gene pool. S. coronatus was previously considered a subspecies of ^rdulegaster insignis (Schneider, 1852) [12, 26, etc.], which was included in the Red Book of the USSR in 1984 (Category III) [26]. An impressive species that enhances nature, an entomophage, the only representative of the family in the fauna of the republic.
Brief description of the adult stage appearance. A large brightly colored dragonfly with a variable black pattern on a yellow background. Body length 55-74 mm, forewing 40-49 mm. Eyes touch at one point. Females are larger than males, sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. The ovipositor is large, significantly longer than the anal appendages.
General distribution and in the country. Tian Shan, Pamir-Alai, Hindu Kush (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Southern Kazakhstan) [4]. In Kyrgyzstan - the gorge of the Lailak River (Turkestan Range) and the Echkilitau Range [42], Besh-Aral Nature Reserve (along the right bank of the Chatkal River) [37], Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve [2]; Atoynok Range (Kursay Gorge) [44]; and also, apparently, the basin of the Tar River (Karaoy Gorge) [45]. Indication of its presence in the Issyk-Kul Nature Reserve [9] needs clarification.
Habitats. This is the only species of dragonfly in the mountains of Central Asia, whose preimaginal phases can develop in mountain streams predominantly fed by ice and snow [4], but it prefers warmer, clear rivers and streams of snow-spring type. A typical mountain species, not found in plains [3]. In Kyrgyzstan, it is found in the middle and lower zones of flowing water bodies, noted at altitudes of 800-2000 m above sea level. The larvae of dragonflies of this family inhabit flowing water bodies, are predators, and bury themselves in sandy or muddy soil.
Population.
This is a naturally rare species with a declining population trend. In the gorge of the Kursay River [44], the population density of imagos reached 3.5 individuals/ha in floodplain forest biocenoses; males in the population are twice as numerous as females.
Life cycle (lifestyle). The duration of larval development is unknown. The flight of imagos lasts from the end of May to the end of July. Females lay eggs in the ground in shallow water while flying, with a fecundity of about 140 eggs [44]. Territorial behavior is characteristic of males [37].
Limiting factors. Pollution of flowing water bodies and their drying due to water extraction.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. Habitats are protected in the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve [2], and formally also in the Besh-Aral Nature Reserve [37].
Recommended conservation measures. The protection of this species depends on the effectiveness of comprehensive nature conservation measures in its habitats. Pollution and drying of streams and rivers should be prevented, the lifestyle of larvae should be studied in detail, and the range should be clarified.
Тикен куйрук ийнелик
Coronate Spiketail
Sonjagaster coronatus (Morton, 1916)
Status: Vulnerable (VU A4bc; B2b(iii,iv); D2 - Category II), local montane Middle-Asian species with mosaic distribution, noticeable large and naturally rare dragon-fly. It is the only representative of the family in Kyrgyzstan, it has aesthetic value and scientific zoogeographical importance for the preservation of the regional genetic fund. Imagoes and aquatic larvae are active predators. Fly-period: end of May - end of July. Larvae of this species inhabit clear water streams and rivers (preferably of snow-spring supplying-type, at 800-2,000 m above sea level), burying themselves into sand. Ecology of the species is studied in some populations and results show a high level of vulnerability. The number of males is twice that of females, and territorial behavior is characteristic. Limiting factors: pollution of water streams and drying of small rivers and inflows due to water distribution for agricultural purposes. At present time, it is under formal protection in Sary-Chelek and Besh-Aral Nature Reserves. Regulation of water distribution for economic use and averting pollution danger, as well as study of the life mode and phenology of larvae are necessary for conservation of the species.