<![CDATA[Anggraini, E., Sabrina, M., Putra, A.M., Aisyah, A., Khorunnisa, A., & Sandi, A. (2025). Diversity of Odonata Species in Oil Palm Plantations (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) PT.Kasih Agro Mandiri II at Banyuasin, South Sumatra. In: Herlinda S et al. (Eds.), Prosiding Seminar Nasional Lahan Suboptimal ke-13 Tahun 2025, Palembang 20 Oktober 2025. (pp. x–y). Palembang: Penerbit & Percetakan Universitas Sriwijaya (UNSRI).Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) of the Arecaceae family produces vegetable oil used for cooking and industrial applications. Dragonflies (Odonata), as predatory insects, consume various arthropods that can reduce oil palm productivity, thus potentially serving as natural pest controllers. This study identified dragonfly diversity in an oil palm plantation and evaluated their role as biological control agents. Research was conducted at the oil palm plantation of PT.Kasih Agro Mandiri II, Banyuasin Regency. The sampling method combined purposive selection of representative plots with random sampling within plots to capture spatial variation. Collected specimens were identified to species level and analyzed using three ecological indices: Shannon diversity index, Pielou’s evenness index, and species richness estimates. Results recorded eight Odonata species: six Anisoptera (true dragonflies) and two Zygoptera (damselflies). The highest recorded Shannon diversity index was 2.04, while Pielou’s evenness reached 0.98; the dominance index peaked during the third week of observation. The most abundant species was Orthetrum sabina with 117 individuals, whereas Neurothemis fluctuans was least abundant with 36 individuals. Observed abundance and diversity patterns suggest a stable predator assemblage within the plantation ecosystem. The presence of a relatively diverse Odonata community indicates that the plantation environment still supports natural predator populations capable of contributing to biological pest suppression. These findings underscore the potential value of conserving habitat features that favor dragonfly populations as part of integrated pest management strategies in oil palm landscapes. Further studies should assess prey preferences, seasonal dynamics, and habitat management practices that enhance Odonata-mediated pest control.]]>
