Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of wing size characters

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is defined as slight random deviations from ideal bilateral symmetry in living organisms. Negative factors, like extreme environmental conditions and limited gene flow, can suppress the ability of the organism to counteract developmental shifts resulting in an increased level of FA. Odonata are important bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health. Nevertheless, very few odonatologists use FA parameters as a routine analytical tool. Available statistical analysis protocols are too complicated and too varied, which may disappoint the researchers, especially the young ones. Moreover, if applied blindly, i.e. without understanding animal biology, they can cause non-compatible and dubious results. To fill this gap, we developed an easy-to-use guide on how to conduct the FA study of wing size traits in Odonata. We highlight that a row of tests must be performed prior to the comparison of samples, including the test for typos, test for hidden wing deformation, test for measurement error, test for sexual dimorphism, test for directional asymmetry and antisymmetry, and test for allometry. Based on the results of these tests, the study samples should be rearranged over and over again, aiming to exclude some traits and some specimens from the subsequent steps of the analysis. Citation: Kushnirenko, O. et al. (2022) An analysis of fluctuating asymmetry of wing size characters in Odonata: A step-by-step guide. In: D. Vinko & M. Bedjanič (Eds.), ECOO 2022, 6th European Congress on Odonatology, 27–30th June 2022, Kamnik, Slovenia, Book of Abstracts, p. 81, Slovene Dragonfly Society – Slovensko odonatološko društvo, Ljubljana.