Reproductive behaviour of Diastatops intensa Montgomery (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

The reproductive behaviour of this neotropical dragonfly was studied at a farm pond in southern Brazil. The males are present at the oviposition site for ca 9 hrs daily, the maximum density being reached at midday. They arc conspicuously territorial and behave as 'perchers'. Body posture and wing position of perching males vary greatly. Distinct positions of the black and red coloured wings may serve a thermoregulatory and visual function with respect to territorial behaviour. Females appear at water only at noon. Copulation lasts 3-7 s and oviposition takes place at hidden sites between emergent foliage of water plants. Oviposition is attended by the male (non-contact guarding) and multiple mating (up to 6 x consecutively) frequently occurs.