Epitheca bimaculata (Charpentier, 1825) (Insecta, Odonata, Corduliidae), une nouvelle espèce d'odonate pour la Réserve naturelle nationale de la tourbière de Machais (France, Grand Est)

Abstract  -  The discovery of an exuvia of Epitheca bimaculata (Charpentier, 1825) on the 5th of June 2023 is the first sighting of this species within the Tourbière de Machais national nature reserve, at an altitude of 980 meters above sea level. It appears to be the highest location in the Vosges mountains so far, with the last known reproduction confirmed at 693 meters. 13 Anisopterae are known on this peat bog. Specific surveys on dragonflies have been conducted since 2015, and the temperature of the water is showing a significant increase between 2021 and 2023. The warming climate, and particularly the warm years of 2022 and 2023, could explain that colonization uphill, even if some other locations are probably still to be discovered.

Foltzer A. & Gérard A. 2025. Epitheca bimaculata (Charpentier, 1825) (Insecta, Odonata, Corduliidae), une nouvelle espèce d'odonate pour la Réserve naturelle nationale de la tourbière de Machais (France, Grand Est). Bulletin de la Société d'Histoire naturelle et d'Ethnographie de Colmar, 81 (4) : 17-19. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14712731