Studies on the Reproductive Behaviour of Dragonfly, Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) (Odonata: Insecta: Arthropoda) in Aravalli Range and Desert Ecosystem of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Author(s): Gaurav Sharma

The reproductive behaviour of Pantala flavescens (Fabricius) was studied in different localities of Aravalli Range and Desert Ecosystem of Rajasthan during 2008-15. Courtship is well marked and male demonstrate a circular territory with a radius of about 4-6 meters and defended it from the intruding intra or some inter specific male by chasing it away or by warning signals like wing vibration or abdomen raising. As female entered into the territory, the male starts following her and forms a tandem link, catching hold of her prothorax by his anal appendages. The before wheel tandem lasted for 10-40 seconds and during this period intramale sperm translocation is not observed. The male forced female to form courtship wheel. The courtship wheel lasts for about 70 seconds to 3 minutes and is performed in air above water body. The courtship wheel breaks and in tandem position the female oviposit exophtically on the surface of water and it lasts for 60 seconds to 2 minutes. During oviposition the male in tandem and after release of grip hovers around the female, to defend her from intruding intra or inter specific males. The total duration of reproductive behaviour lasts for 3-6 minutes.

Share this article