DRAGONFLY LARVAE OF THE STEPPE ZONE OF KABARDINO-BALKARIA

Aim. The aim is to study the species composition of the dragonfly larvae community of the steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkaria. Materials and methods. The research is based on the long-term study (2014-2017) of dragonflies of the Republic. The collection and processing of the materials were carried out using methods generally accepted in entomological research. Results. The article presents data on the composition and distribution of communities of dragonfly larvae, which are an information source for the biological indication of the state of natural aquatic ecosystems and are model bio-indicators for environmental monitoring. In the course of the study, 25 species of dragonfly larvae belonging to three suborders of Zygoptera, Anisoptera and Caloptera were identified. The distribution of larvae in water bodies of the steppe zone and their biotopes is inhomogeneous and is determined by the ecological and biological features of the species. Conclusions . The distribution of dragonflies on water habitats is associated with the quantity and quality of biotopes that are convenient for colonization, the temperature regime, the composition and quality of the natural forage reserve and the ability of the larvae of dragonflies to pass through their entire life cycle and their ecological and biological characteristics.