Odonata Species and Their Beta Diversity Patterns in Freshwater Habitats in an Atlantic Forest of Northeast Brazil

The Atlantic Forest has undergone significant territorial reduction due to anthropogenic activities, adversely affecting its biodiversity. Consequently, it is imperative to identify the species constituting this megadiverse ecosystem, focusing on local diversity and, on a broader scale, regional diversity (beta diversity). This study inventories Odonata species and analyzes beta diversity patterns in the Atlantic Forest of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil. Sampling across the seven sites yielded 1468 specimens representing 66 species, including 14 new state records. Species richness did not differ significantly between lentic and lotic habitats; however, community composition varied markedly, primarily due to species turnover. Anisoptera were more abundant and diverse in lentic habitats, whereas Zygoptera preferred lotic environments with well-preserved riparian vegetation. High beta diversity at regional and local scales reflects strong environmental heterogeneity, with spatial and habitat factors shaping community structure. This study highlights the ecological distinctions between the two suborders, which are linked to their dispersal abilities and habitat specialisation. These findings emphasise the importance of conserving diverse aquatic habitats and riparian vegetation to maintain Odonata diversity, thereby supporting their role as bioindicators. This study fills a critical knowledge gap in northeastern Brazil and provides baseline data to guide conservation and management strategies in this threatened biome.