Symposium: Insect Behavioral Ecology--'84: The Influence of Larval Ecology on Oviposition and Mating Strategies in Dragonflies

Authors

  • Ruth E. Buskirk
  • Karen J. Sherman

Abstract

Reproductive behavior of adult dragonflies can be related to ecological requirements of their aquatic larvae. Based on the literature on larval ecology, we suggest patterns of female oviposition behavior that should place offspring in favorable situations, appropriate for the species. The predicted patterns, with respect to microhabitat use and spatial distribution of eggs, largely agree with our observations of oviposition behavior in seven species of pond dragonflies. By knowing the behavior of ovipositing females, we can predict the most feasible strategies for male dragonflies to maximize their breeding success. Whether males employ territorial defense and whether they guard their mates following copulation is related to the manner of oviposition of the female in sixteen species of dragonflies surveyed. In order to test these predictions further, we call for more detailed observations of female oviposition behavior and other features of adult mating systems that are directly related to survival of young offspring.

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Published

1985-03-01

Issue

Vol. 68, No. 1 (March 1985)

Section

Literature Review Articles

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