In honor of conservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: description of two new damselflies of the genus Forcepsioneura discovered in private protected areas (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Abstract

Two new Brazilian Protoneurinae damselflies,Forcepsioneurareguasp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State, Cachoeiras de Macacu municipality, RPPN Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu) andForcepsioneuraserrabonitasp. nov. (holotype male deposited in DZRJ: Brazil, Bahia State, Camacan municipality, RPPNs Serra Bonita) , are described, illustrated and diagnosed based on males and females. The bluish and smallerF.reguasp. nov. has been confused with at least three previously described species, being very similar to the type species ofForcepsioneura,F.garrisoniLencioni, 1999, but lacking a defined tubercle-like process on the posterolateral margin of the median lobe of the prothorax in both sexes, which allows it to be distinguished from all other known species. The shape of the cercus of the male ofF.serrabonitasp. nov. is similar to that ofF.grossiorumMachado, 2001 andF.luciaMachado, 2000, two species with very short ventrobasal process. However, it differs from them mainly by the mediobasal process of the cercus, which is rounded in dorsal view and almost not visible in lateral view. The taxonomic status ofForcepsioneurais discussed and a comparison with the other species of the genus is provided. Based on size, habitat and coloration,Forcepsioneuracan be informally divided into two groups: (1) large, orange-black and montane species, includingF.grossiorum,F.itatiaiae(Santos, 1970),F.luciaandF.serrabonitasp. nov.; (2) small, bluish and lowland species, includingF.garrisoni,F.haerteliMachado, 2001,F.reguasp. nov. andF.sancta(HageninSelys, 1860). Our findings highlight the urgency in directing collecting efforts to unexplored areas, as well as the importance of private preserves that harbor the type localities as guardians of the threatened and diverse Atlantic Forest diversity. Together these two localities surveyed account for more than 210 species of odonates, representing almost 24% of the number of Brazilian species. Brazil has the greatest number of known species of odonates in the world. This study shows that further research is required in order to fully understand the diversity ofForcepsioneura.