This thesis aimed to provide information on the diversity of pond-dwelling dragonflies in Slovakia and evaluates surrogate potential of dragonflies and aquatic macrophytes within these biotopes. The dragonfly diversity of ponds is compared with diversity of lakes, rivers, streams and ditches. We also attempt to compare several sampling methods used for estimation assessment of dragonfly diversity in ponds. In total, 42 species were recorded while 50 % of them were red-listed. Cover of waterbodies near the pond, water conductivity and pH influenced the proportion and probability of red-list species occurrence in ponds. Species response curves along the major environmental gradients (altitude, average depth, pH, conductivity and phosphate concentration) were examined. Twenty-two dragonfly species were significantly related to at least one of the habitat characteristics. We also quantified relative species niche breadth for those species. Since recorded dragonflies showed wide tolerance to pond conditions, we assume only weak potential of these species as bioindicators of pond environment. Compared to other biotopes, ponds supported the highest α-, β- and γ-diversity of dragonflies. Intensive seasonal sampling appeared as the best method for estimation of dragonfly diversity in ponds. Based on non-significant and/or very weak correlations of occurrence, species richness or community structure of dragonflies and macrophytes, we suggest that these groups are not suitable as surrogates in evaluation of pond diversity.