Precopulatory genital contact in some Zygoptera

The sequence of mating behavior usually described in the literature (tandem, sperm translocation, copulation) is accurate for species of the zygopteran genera Lestes, Nehalennia, Calopteryx, Platycypha, and Chlorocypha. Species of the genera Enallagma, Argia, Amphiagrion, Ischnura, Anomalagrion, and Hetaerina exhibit an additional step between tandem and sperm translocation, here called ’’genital touching”. After tandem formation, the male invites copulation and the female briefly touches her genitalia to his accessory genitalia, whereupon he translocates sperm. Genital touching may allow males to determine female receptivity prior to filling of the sperm vesicle. Data on duration of sperm translocation are also presented.