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Abstract
Order Odonata which include dragonflies and damselflies are a group of carnivorous aquatic insects. Their lifecycle is intricately linked to waterbodies in both nymph and adult stages. The study analyses the relationship between water quality and Odonate diversity. Six ponds were studied for a period of six months from September 2015 to April 2016. The study period was divided into Monsoon (Sep - Nov, 2015) and Post monsoon (Feb - Apr, 2016). Nine water quality parameters namely, pH, EC, TDS, hardness, alkalinity, DO, BOD, COD and nitrate were analysed during the study period. Water Quality Index and Simpson’s Diversity Index were calculated. 43 species of odonates – 18 damselflies and 25 dragonflies - belonging to seven families were identified. The Water Quality Index value was comparatively higher in the ‘Monsoon’ season. The Simpson’s Diversity Index was also highest (0.95) in the Monsoon. A comparison between Water Quality Index values and Simpson’s Diversity Index values showed that Odonate diversity increased with increase in the water quality in both the seasons and in all the six sites.