A note on cacoides latro (Erichson), a territorial lacustrine gomphid (Anisoptera: Gomphidae)

The behaviour of C. latro was studied in the Atlantic rain forest at Lake Dom Helvecia, Minas Gerais, Brazil on 15 and 16 February 1992. The daytime habitat of males consisted of offshore stands of emergent Eleocharis interstincta on which the males perched. They were aggressive to each other and showed site attachment. The average territory was about 9 m long. There appears to be a correlation between lacustrine habitat and territorial behaviour in the Gomphidae. The reason for this is discussed.