Hemiphlebia mirabilis Selys: some notes on distribution and conservation status (Zygoptera: Hemiphlebiidae)

H. mirabilis is in a taxonomically isolated position and the opinion is widely held that it is the oldest relic among living odonates. The species seems to have died out in the area of its original known haunts in Australia, due to farming, and it was probably last seen there in the late 1950ies. It is listed as endangered in the I.U.C.N. Invertebrate Red Data Book (1983). A strong colony has been found this year in S. Victoria. A brief history of the species is given and an opinion on its survival prospects.