Oviposition high above water in Micrathyria dictynna Ris (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

A 9 was observed to attach eggs onto the underside of a leaf hanging more than 2 m above the water level of a small rainforest stream in Costa Rica. It was found that the eggs usually remain in this position until the larvae hatch. This type of oviposition, the first recorded in a member of the subfamily Brachydiplactinae, is similar to that of some Old World Tetratheminae and it is suggested to be a case of convergence due to similar environmental conditions. Its adaptive significance is discussed briefly.