Reproductive behaviour of Notiothemis robertsi Fraser (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

Mating and oviposition behaviour of this tropical dragonfly was studied at small rain forest pools in West Kenya. Males were present at the oviposition site between 10:00-16:00 h local time. Females visited the pools infrequently. Copulations lasted a mean of 174 s and occurred rarely. Mating and oviposition of one female were spatially and temporally separated. The females deposited eggs unguarded well above the water. During oviposition the female hovered in front of the substrate, keeping the legs attached either the whole time or only during the dip.