Establishment of larval pits by Tachopteryx thoreyi (Odonata: Petaluridae): habitat modification by a non-burrowing petalurid

Abstract

Tachopteryx thoreyi is one of only two species of petalurid dragonflies with a non-fossorial larval stage. In the context of questions related to the phylogenetics, historical biogeography and current distribution of the Petaluridae, the evolution of a burrowing larval stage in petalurids, which is unique in the Odonata, is of considerable interest. This paper reports observation of crypts, or shallow pits or depressions, established by some larvae of Tachopteryx thoreyi, and briefly discusses these observations in the context of the more typical burrowing habit in petalurids.

Keywords: Dragonfly, larvae, fossorial, burrowing, evolution, groundwater dependent species

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