Predator escape behaviour is a critical component of dragonfly life history. Flight initiation distance is the distance at which escape commences, and is well studied in vertebrates, barely studied in invertebrates, and entirely unstudied in dragonflies. Here we test four principles regarding flight initiation distance as derived from studies of vertebrates to examine if they…
The factors influencing the length of the terrestrial period in the final instar larvae of Epiophlebia superstes (Selys, 1889) (Anisozygoptera: Epiophlebiidae)
The terrestrial period before adult eclosion of the final instar larvae of Epiophlebia superstes was studied during spring 2008 to 2012, at a mountain stream in Nurukawa, Aomori prefecture, northern Japan. The average terrestrial period of larvae that left the water during early, middle and late April, estimated by mark-release-recapture and caging methods, was 45.3…
Geographical variation of prementum size in Iberian Cordulegaster boltonii (Odonata: Cordulegastridae) populations
Within wide geographical areas, Odonata populations can show biometric differences as a consequence of both biotic (e.g., predation, competition) and abiotic factors (mainly temperature). These differences can occur in the larval stage, although reliable characters are needed to detect differences.
Useful biometric variables in Iberian exuviae of Boyeria irene (Fonscolombe, 1838) (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
In species of similar shape and size, biometric analyses make it possible to establish differences. Within one species, biometrics can help researchers to detect differences between populations and analyze their adaptations to environmental conditions. Until now little was known about the biometrics of the Iberian populations of Boyeria irene (Odonata: Aeshnidae), a large species living mainly in southern Europe.
Aerodynamic interference depends on stroke plane spacing and wing aspect ratio in damselfly model wings
The fluid dynamics of aerodynamic force control in insects depends on how oscillating wings interact with the surrounding air. The resulting flow structures are shaped by the flow induced by the wing’s instantaneous motion but also on flow components resulting from force production in previous wing strokes and the motion of other wings flapping in…
The subfamily Platycnemidinae (Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) in Thailand, with description of the final stadium larva of Copera chantaburii Asahina, 1984
Within the damselfly subfamily Platycnemidinae, eight species are currently recognized in South-East Asia. The final stadium larvae of only three of them have been so far described. The final stadium larva of Copera chantaburii is described and illustrated for the first time, based on reared specimens, and new provincial records both of larvae and adults…
Re-description of the last instar of Remartinia luteipennis luteipennis (Burmeister, 1839) (Odonata: Aeshnidae)
The final instar of Remartinia luteipennis luteipennis (Burmeister, 1839) is described and illustrated based on reared specimens from Salta Province, Argentina. It is compared with R. secreta and R. l. florida, and with Calvert’s original description of R. l. luteipennis. Remartinia l. luteipennis can be differentiated by the length of the lateral valvae of the…
Development of SSR markers based on the head transcriptome of Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) (Odonata: Libellulidae)
Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) is one of the most common species of dragonflies and has been found throughout from tropic to temperate zones worldwide. In this study, RNA-seq of P. flavescens was carried out through Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Approximately 37,868 unigenes and 47,188 transcripts were obtained. The average length of the assembled unigenes was…
Larval development and behavior of Rhionaeschna marchali Rambur (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) under captivity conditions
Very little is known about the biology of larval odonates from the Neotropical region, and in particular there are no data on behavioral changes during ontogeny and growth ratios, though both are crucial to understanding the dynamics of Odonata communities. Here we study growth ratio, development patterns and behavior of Rhionaeschna marchali larvae. We characterized…
Comparing and evaluating the dragonfly fauna (Odonata) of regulated and rehabilitated stretches of the fourth order metarhithron Gurtenbach (Upper Austria)
Mitigation measures carried out at the regulated metarhithron Gurtenbach in Upper Austria were evaluated by a survey of the dragonfly fauna. The assessment method developed in this study was based on the longitudinal distribution of dragonflies along riverine biocoenotic regions (the “Rhithron-Potamon-Concept” explains changes in species composition along a river’s length). Numerically expressed habitat preferences…