Ectoparasites of Dragonflies and Damselflies in Central Nepal

Water mites as ectoparasites on Odonata documented in this paper represent the first report from Nepal. This study examined parasitic associations with Odonata at Pravash local ponds and ponds of Ramgram Stupa during 2018 and 2019. A total of 101 mites were recorded from 16 individuals of Odonata. Both dragonflies (Brachythemis contaminata, Crocothemis servilia, Orthetrum sabina, Trithemis pallidinervis) and damselflies (Ischnura aurora, Agriocnemis pygmaea, Ceriagrion falax, Ceriagrion coromandellianum) were parasitized by Arrenurus spp. Maximum mite count (23) was recorded from female Crocothemis servilia. Mites of three colors—orange, dark green, and black—were attached to various sites on the thorax and abdomen. Female odonates were infested more frequently (11 individuals with 71 mites) than males (5 individuals with 30 mites).