Behaviour of Perithemis mooma Kirby at the oviposition site (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

The reproductive behaviour of the neotropical P. mooma has been studied at a farm pond in southern Brazil. Males, ready for reproduction, arrive in the course of the forenoon at the water in search of a suitable oviposition substrate, such as a floating mat of algae or emergent root-felt of water plants. The site is selected visually and then examined thoroughly by repeated touches with the tips of the hind legs. If the substrate is found appropriate it will become the center of a vigorously defended territory. Sexual behaviour follows a well-defined sequence of male-female interactions including courtship display, copulation and postcopulatory activities. In addition to the main pathway, a number of alternative steps exist. Thus, besides the main situation leading to copulation, 3 precopulatory behavioural elements may occur. The mean duration of copulation is 15 ± 6 s. Oviposition is performed attended and may last up to 170 s if undisturbed.