By means of the fixation of different copulation stages of 17 European species (16 Zygoptera, I Anisoptera) the possible use and limitation of a new fixation method, using chloroethane, is described. Only in 2 spp. did the fixation attempts fail. In 15 cases the contact points of the tandem linkage could be analysed. The best phase for fixation is the wheel position; only in Lestes and some Coenagrionidae is the postcopulatory tandem suitable as well. If both the inferior and superior male appendages act like forceps, as in Calopteryx, only a few attempts are necessary to yield fixations of high quality. In other species up to ten pairs are required to achieve satisfactory results to evaluate the contact points of the tandem linkage.