Underwater oviposition behavior in two species of Euphaea in Borneo and Hong Kong (Odonata: Euphaeidae)

Graham T. Reelsa, Rory Dowb

  1. Yuen Long, Hong Kong
  2. Coulsdon, UK

International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 9, Issue 2, Pages 197-204, 2006
https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2006.9748278
Published: 1 October 2006 (Received: 20 March 2006, Accepted: 22 July 2006)

Abstract

Submerged oviposition behaviour by female Euphaea decorata and E. subcostalis is reported. E. decorata descended to within 10 cm of the stream bottom and oviposited endophytically for a total of 59 min. An E. subcostalis female descended 3 cm to dead leaves at the stream bottom and stayed submerged for 20-25 s. Non-contact guarding by the male was observed in both cases. Submerged oviposition into substrates near to the stream bottom may be common behaviour for members of the Euphaeidae.

Keywords: Odonata, dragonfly, underwater oviposition, Zygoptera, Euphaeidae, Euphaea, Borneo, Hong Kong

Issue section: Article