Odonata (Insecta) survey in Atlantic Forest Conservation Units in southeastern Brazil: rare species and new records

The Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots, is home to a rich diversity of Odonata, a group with great potential for further research in this phytophysiognomy. Considering this, the aim of this study was to update the data on Odonata species found in four conservation units of the Atlantic Forest biome in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, highlighting their diversity and distribution. Biological material was collected through active sampling carried out in four conservation units of the Atlantic Forest biome: Carlos Botelho State Park, Serra do Mar State Park—Núcleo Santa Virgínia, Serra do Papagaio and Caparaó National Park. A total of 447 individuals were sampled, distributed in 21 species, 12 genera and six families. The known distribution of Heteragrion brianmayi, Heteragrion freddiemercuryi and Heteragrion gorbi with these species now recorded in the state of Minas Gerais. In addition, the presence of Rhionaeschna punctata, a species endemic to Brazil, was recorded, as well as a high number of species from the genus Heteragrion, such as Heteragrion freddiemercuryi and Heteragrion ovatum, which had not been documented since 1973. This new information helps fill gaps in our understanding of Odonata diversity and provides a foundation for future ecological and evolutionary studies, in addition to contributing important information for the conservation of the group.