🖊️ By Bassam Al Kantar
Head of Campaign Strategy & Communications
🌿 Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
In the shimmering heat of a Lebanese summer, by the still waters of a pond or the rushing current of a river, you might catch a glimpse of an aerial marvel—a dragonfly darting swiftly, its wings catching the sunlight like fragments of stained glass. Or perhaps a damselfly, delicately perched on a reed, its iridescent colors shifting with each movement. These creatures, ancient yet often overlooked, are not just beautiful; they are vital indicators of the health of Lebanon’s freshwater ecosystems.
This feature story is based on the extensive research of Hussein Ali Zorkot, a dedicated biomonitoring researcher and illustrator, whose work has been instrumental in documenting Lebanon’s dragonflies and damselflies under the EU-funded BioConnect project. Through field research, scientific illustrations, and conservation efforts, Zorkot has contributed significantly to understanding these species and their role in Lebanon’s natural heritage.
Lebanon’s entomofauna—the insect biodiversity of the country—is rich and varied, with dragonflies and damselflies (Order Odonata) playing a critical role. With around 50 species recorded across the country, including endemic and migratory species, these flying jewels are both fragile and resilient. Yet, with the growing pressures of habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, the future of Lebanon’s dragonflies and damselflies is at a crossroads.
The Ancient Aviators: Evolution and Ecology
Dragonflies and damselflies belong to one of the most ancient groups of insects, their lineage stretching back over 300 million years—long before the first dinosaurs roamed the Earth. These creatures have changed little since then, their sophisticated flight capabilities and keen vision making them some of the most efficient aerial hunters in the natural world.
Despite their similarities, dragonflies and damselflies are distinctly different in their structure and behavior. Dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera) are robust, fast-flying insects with wings that remain outstretched even when at rest. Damselflies (suborder Zygoptera), on the other hand, are more delicate, with slender bodies and wings that typically fold neatly along the length of their bodies when perched.
Both groups rely heavily on freshwater environments for reproduction. Their larvae, known as nymphs, are aquatic predators, spending months or even years beneath the water’s surface before emerging as adults. This dependence on clean water makes them excellent bioindicators—their presence or absence can tell us a lot about the health of rivers, streams, and wetlands.
A Haven for Odonata: Lebanon’s Key Habitats
Lebanon’s diverse topography, from its Mediterranean coastline to its mountain rivers and inland wetlands, provides an array of habitats for dragonflies and damselflies. Some of the most significant locations for odonata species include:
- Beirut River Valley: A crucial waterway that, despite urbanization, still supports various dragonfly species in pockets of green space.
- Kayfoun-Baissour-Kfar Matta: This region, with its flowing streams and small ponds, is an important refuge for aquatic insects.
- Kherbet Qanafar-Ain Zebdeh: In the West Bekaa, this area is home to multiple species, thriving in its mosaic of wetland habitats.
- Mount Lebanon’s Springs and Streams: The cold, clear waters of the Lebanese mountains support a variety of dragonflies and damselflies, particularly in locations such as Hammana and Ras El Matn.
However, many of these habitats are under threat. The depletion of water resources due to overuse, pollution, and the impact of climate change is having a significant effect on dragonfly populations. As water levels drop and streams dry up, breeding sites disappear, placing many species at risk.
The Hidden Gems: Notable Dragonflies and Damselflies of Lebanon
Among the numerous species of dragonflies and damselflies in Lebanon, several stand out due to their rarity, beauty, or ecological significance. Based on Hussein Zorkot’s research, here are some of the key species found in Lebanon:
The Majestic Demoiselles
The Clear-Winged Demoiselle (Calopteryx hyalina) and Syrian Demoiselle (Calopteryx syriaca) are among the most striking damselflies in Lebanon. With their metallic blue-green bodies and slow, fluttering flight, they are often mistaken for butterflies. These species prefer shaded streams with clean, flowing water—habitats that are increasingly at risk.
The Emerald Spreadwings
Species such as the Southern Emerald Damselfly (Lestes barbarus) and the Small Emerald Spreadwing (Lestes virens) are known for their brilliant green coloration. Unlike other damselflies, they can be seen in more temporary wetlands, making them more adaptable to seasonal changes.
The Featherlegs and Sprites
Lebanon is home to a variety of featherleg species, including the Blue Featherleg (Platycnemis pennipes), the Powdered Featherleg (Platycnemis kervillei), and the Ivory Featherleg (Platycnemis dealbata).
The Powerful Hawkers and Emperors
The Blue Emperor (Anax imperator) is one of the most recognizable dragonflies in the region, while the Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) and Green-Eyed Hawker (Aeshna isoceles) are known for their speed and aerial agility.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Despite their resilience, Lebanon’s dragonflies and damselflies face numerous threats:
- Water Pollution
- Climate Change
- Urbanization and Habitat Destruction
To combat these challenges, conservation initiatives such as SPNL’s Hima approach, as well as the BioConnect project, are playing a crucial role in monitoring biodiversity and raising awareness about freshwater conservation.
Additionally, Hussein Zorkot’s research has been essential in documenting species and raising public awareness through detailed scientific illustrations, field guides, and digital resources. His work on Lepidoptera Libanotica and SPNL’s biodiversity platforms ensures that Lebanon’s entomofauna is properly documented for future conservation efforts.
A Future for Lebanon’s Dragonflies
The sight of a dragonfly skimming across a pond or a damselfly resting delicately on a leaf is more than just a fleeting moment of beauty—it is a sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem. As guardians of freshwater habitats, these insects remind us of the importance of preserving Lebanon’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
With continued conservation efforts, community engagement, and scientific research, there is hope that future generations will still be able to marvel at the dazzling aerobatics of dragonflies and the shimmering elegance of damselflies in Lebanon’s skies.
What Can You Do?
✅ Protect local water bodies from pollution.
✅ Support conservation efforts like SPNL’s Hima projects.
✅ Contribute to citizen science by photographing and reporting dragonfly sightings.
✅ Learn more about Lebanon’s entomofauna at butterflies.spnl.org.
Lebanon’s dragonflies and damselflies are symbols of resilience, beauty, and ecological balance. Thanks to the research of Hussein Zorkot and ongoing conservation initiatives, we have the knowledge and tools to ensure they continue to thrive in our ever-changing world.
