Associations between a range‐shifting damselfly ( <scp> <i>Erythromma viridulum</i> </scp> ) and the <scp>UK</scp> 's resident Odonata suggest habitat sharing is more important than antagonism

Species shifting their ranges under climate change are a conservation dilemma. Range-shifters may be threatened by in historic range. However, range-shifters likely to generalist opportunists, which could mean they harm aspects of biodiversity new ecosystems. Therefore, we need approaches rapidly assess how integrate into the community historically resident species. The small red-eyed damselfly (Erythromma viridulum) has shifted United Kingdom since 1999 and affect Odonata via intraguild predation. We asked whether damselfly's arrival is associated with decline Odonata. harnessed British Dragonfly Society's dataset, using records from 49,788 site visits between 2000 2015 construct dynamic species occupancy models for 17 UK estimated potential effect E. viridulum presence on probability that each would persist at given site, while controlling effects recording effort. On average, dragonflies (Anisoptera) persisted more frequently sites where had established, damselflies (Zygoptera) showed no persistence. Nevertheless, two damselflies, including viridulum's congener, disappeared when range-shifter established. suggest poses minimal risk most Rather, differentially establishing areas good habitat quality, many also found. high biodiverse become home increasing numbers future. Our approach permits rapid detection integrating biota.