Mate guarding and other aspects of reproductive behaviour in Petalura gigantea (Odonata: Petaluridae)

Mate guarding and other aspects of reproductive behaviour in Petalura gigantea (Odonata: Petaluridae) 00

Ian R.C. Bairda ✉️

  1. College of Health and Science, University of Western Sydney, Penrith South DC, Australia

International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 17, Issue 4, Pages 223-236, 2014

https://doi.org/10.1080/13887890.2014.979333

Published: 2 October 2014 (Received: 22 June 2014, Accepted: 16 October 2014)

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Abstract

Territorial behaviour and mate guarding are important components of mating systems in various insect groups, including the Odonata. This paper reports observations of male territorial behaviour associated with potential ovipositing sites, and postcopulatory, non-contact mate guarding in Petalura gigantea. This is the first unambiguous and detailed report of mate guarding in the Petaluridae. Additional observations of previously undocumented aspects of reproductive behaviour are also reported. These observations are compared with other petalurids.

Keywords: Petalura gigantea, Odonata, Petaluridae, dragonflies, copulation, postcopulatory, mate guarding, territorial behaviour, ovipositing, density dependence, reproductive behaviour

Issue section: Article