Ischnura aurora (Brauer), a dragonfly with unusual mating behaviour (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Dragonflies usually undergo a period of several days’ maturation before mating. However, dd of I. a. aurora have been observed mating only with freshly emerged 99. After copulation 99 resist further mating attempts, disperse, mature and then lay eggs. Respects in which this behaviour may constitute an adaptation to the colonisation of temporary pools are discussed.