The larva of Tetracanthagyna plagiata, with notes on its biology and comparisons with congeneric species (Odonata: Aeshnidae)

Albert G. Orra, Robin W.J. Ngiamb, Tzi Ming Leongc

  1. Griffith , School of the Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
  2. National Biodiversity Centre , National Parks Board, Singapore
  3. Central Nature Reserve, Singapore, Singapore

International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 13, Issue 2, Pages 153-166, 2010
https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2010.9748371
Published: 1 October 210 (Received: 1 July 210, Accepted: 13 July 2010)

Abstract

The F stadium larva of both sexes of Tetracanthagyna plagiata is described and figured based on exuviae from which confirmed adult specimens had been reared. Larvae were originally collected in small, slow forest streams in Singapore, and in captivity were fed on local shrimp and small fish species. The known larvae of Tetracanthagyna species, T. degorsi, T. plagiata and T. waterhousei are compared and characters for separating the three species are tabled and figured. T. plagiata larvae reared in captivity exhibited obligate ambush predation and ballistic defaecation.

Keywords: Odonata, dragonfly, Anisoptera, Aeshnidae, Tetracanthagyna, plagiata, Singapore, Sundaland, larva

Issue section: Article