The factors influencing the length of the terrestrial period in the final instar larvae of Epiophlebia superstes (Selys, 1889) (Anisozygoptera: Epiophlebiidae)

Abstract

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 days (±1.3 days, n = 8), 35.8 days (±1.8 days, n = 9) and 29.0 days (±1.4 days, n = 2), respectively. The date on which a larva left the water was negatively correlated with the terrestrial period (r² = 0.80, df = 17, p < 0.01). Also, indoors, the terrestrial period was negatively correlated to air temperature (r² = 0.76, df = 7, p < 0.01).

Keywords: Odonata, Epiophlebiidae, Epiophlebia superstes, imaginal ecdysis, larva, terrestrial period

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