Insects of the order Odonata have been used as indicators of environmental quality in different aquatic systems around the world. In this context, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to understand the general patterns of research on Odonata published in the past decade (2012–2021). We extracted literature from the Web of Science (WoS) in the advanced search option and used search terms related to Odonata plus search strings for each term. A total of 2764 Odonata publications were identified. The journals with the most published articles on Odonata were Zootaxa, International Journal of Odonatology and Odonatologica. The countries with the most Odonata publications were the USA, Brazil and China. Most studies were conducted on streams, ponds and rivers. Ecology, taxonomy and behavior were the main study topics. Of the total articles on Odonata, 982 involved Zygoptera and 946 Anisoptera. Another 756 studies were focused on both suborders. The increase in ecological and taxonomic studies of Odonata reflects the dynamic characteristics of this order, and its relatively well-defined systematics, especially in the case of adults. Despite the recent increase in the number of publications, there are still many gaps related to topics such as biogeography, parasitism, competition within and between species, evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships, as well as studies of the eggs (e.g., their development) and larval exuviae (e.g., their morphological features).

The final larval instar (F-0) of Acanthagrion kennedii Williamson, 1916 is described based on specimens collected in eastern Amazonia (Pará State, Brazil) and reared in the laboratory until adult emergence to confirm species identity. The larva is assigned to Group II sensu Novelo-Gutiérrez (2009). Diagnostic comparisons are provided with morphologically similar species of Group II. Ecological observations indicate an association with macrophyte-rich habitats and describe aspects of reproductive behavior, including territoriality and oviposition mode. This study contributes to reducing the knowledge gap regarding larval stages in Acanthagrion Selys, 1876, for which descriptions remain scarce.