Dragonflies (Ordo Odonata) are important bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health and play a crucial ecological role in rice field agroecosystems. This study aims to compare dragonfly species diversity across three Subak Latu rice field stations in Badung Regency, Bali, and to assessthe potential role of dragonflynymphs as a protein source. Sampling was conducted at three stations:Bendungan Latu (Station1), Sawah Juwet(Station 2), and Sawah Latu (Station 3), using sweep netting and direct observation methods. A total of 692 individuals representing 22 species from four families (Libellulidae, Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae, and Gomphidae) were recorded. Station 2 (Sawah Juwet) exhibited the highest species richness(22 species, 324 individuals), while Station 3 (Sawah Latu) showed the lowest abundance (154 individuals). Libellulidae was the dominant family, with Pantala flavescens (240 individuals) and Orthetrum sabina (212 individuals) as the most abundant species. Environmental parameters including air temperature (24–28°C), humidity (70– 76%), and light intensity (2150–3555 cd) influenced species distribution and abundance. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices indicated moderate to high diversity across all stations. Dragonfly nymphs present significant protein content (45–60% crude protein), supporting their potential as an alternative proteinsource for aquaculture and human consumption in the context of sustainable food systems. This study provides valuable baseline data for biodiversity conservation and integrated pest management in Balinese subak agroecosystems.
Suaskara et al. (2026) studied this question.