Geographical variation of prementum size in Iberian Cordulegaster boltonii (Odonata: Cordulegastridae) populations
International Journal of Odonatology, Volume 25, Pages 56-61, 2022
https://doi.org/10.48156/1388.2022.1917169
Published: 14 March 2022 (Received: 26 January 2022, Accepted: 4 March 2022)
Abstract
Within wide geographical areas, Odonata populations can show biometric differences as a consequence of both biotic (e.g., predation, competition) and abiotic factors (mainly temperature). These differences can occur in the larval stage, although reliable characters are needed to detect differences. We analyzed whether Cordulegaster boltonii larvae from 18 Iberian populations differ regarding head width and prementum size (maximum width, minimum width, and maximum length), using measurements taken on final stage exuviae. Prementum length was greater in southern populations than in northern ones. Geographic latitude and temperature were the variables that best explained this variation in females, whereas latitude and altitude above sea level offered the best explanation among males.
Keywords: Dragonfly, exuvia, population variation, prementum size, Portugal, Spain
Issue section: Original Article