Observations on the reproductive behaviour of Orthemis ferruginea (Fabricius) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

The territorial, copulatory and post-copulatory behaviour at 2 artificial pools in Trinidad are described. Each pool held one territorial resident; when more than one male was present a fight ensued. Territorial disputes can be divided into two types: short (mean duration 16.9 s) or long (mean duration 5.3 min). Diel patterns of female arrival and territorial disputes were similar. Residents always won short disputes; intruders won 41% of long disputes. Non-territorial males were often observed. The temporal pattern of female arrival at the pool was clumped. Thirty-five matings near water were obtained by territorial residents, 7 by non-territorial males and 11 by males of unknown status. Copulation was brief: the mean duration of the wheel position, which occurred in flight, was 11.7 s. Males non-contact guard females during egglaying. Instances of males copulating with a second female while guarding, and of females being mated by a second male while being guarded are described.