Neotype of Pseudagrion approximans Selys, 1876 designated to resolve a nomenclatorial confusion in the genus Aciagion Selys, 1891 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

To resolve a prevailing nomenclatorial confusion present in the genus Aciagrion, A. tillyardi Laidlaw, 1919 is placed in synonymy of A. approximans (Selys, 1876). The neotype of “Pseudagrion approximans”, a male specimen from Khasi Hills preserved in Coll. Selys Longchamps at RBINS, is designated to replace the lost holotype, which was an incomplete specimen of…

Reproductive behavior of Acanthagrion truncatum Selys, 1876 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Behavioral data on Neotropical coenagrionids is still scanty, with very few studies on their reproductive behavior. Here we present the first description of the reproductive behavior of A. truncatum in a high density population in the Brazilian Neotropical savanna. The observations were made at a pond in an ecological reserve. Males remain at the water…

Review of the “metallic group” of species of Argia Rambur known from Venezuela, with description of the larva of Argia jocosa Hagen in Selys, 1865 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

In Venezuela, the “metallic group” includes three species: Argia cupraurea Calvert, Argia jocosa Hagen in Selys, and Argia orichalcea Hagen in Selys. These are here diagnosed and illustrated, and their distribution in Venezuela is mapped. The larva of A. jocosa differs from the few other known larvae of the group in details of the prementum,…

Clutch size and egg production in Orthetrum nitidinerve Selys, 1841 (Anisoptera: Libellulidae): effect of body size and age

Clutch size is an important fitness component often quantified artificially by inducing oviposition in libellulid females. Female behavior and egg production of the yellow-veined skimmer, Orthetrum nitidinerve, were studied in northeast Algeria during its reproductive season. Data on reproductive behavior and biology of this Mediterranean endemic species has not been published previously. Males guarded territories…

Oviposition behaviour of Sympetrum frequens (Selys) (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Oviposition behaviour by Sympetrum frequens, a species endemic to Japan, has been observed throughout its entire breeding season, which extended for about one month after the harvest of rice. Approximately 50% of oviposition events occurred during the first week of the reproduction period. Sunny oviposition sites were preferentially selected by ovipositing pairs. The starting time…

The family-group names baed on Selys’ Légions

It recently was suggested that family-group names derived from the names of Selys’ legions are not valid. I state why I believe this view is mistaken and I argue that, even if it were not, nomenclatural stability in Odonata can be better served by the preservation of these names than by their overturn.