Quantitative estimation of dragonfly role in transfer of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems

A study quantified polyunsaturated fatt acids (PUFA) flow from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems ensured by dragonfly emergence. This is the first study to determine the concentrations of EPA and DHA in the biomass of adult amphibiotic insects. It is shown that dragonflies transfer to terrestrial ecosystems not only a significant amount of biomass (energy) from aquatic ecosystems but also high quantities of essential PUFAs.