Possible settlement benefits related to site fidelity for the territorial dragonfly, perithemis tenera (Say) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

Site fidelity, the tendency to return to a previously occupied breeding location, is commonly observed in animals and yet often the benefit to such behavior is unclear. In this study, possible settlement benefits to site fidelity for P. tenera are examined, d 3 defend small mating territories on ponds and lakes to which they typically, but not always, return the following day. In an observational study, it was found that 3 3 did not become territorial earlier in the day when site-faithful than when switching territories. However, 3 3 switching territories were more likely to be seen examining oviposition sites (other than the site they ultimately defended) prior to becoming territorial than site-faithful 3 3. In an experimental study, it was controlled for differences in territory and oviposition site structure, time of day, evictions and disturbance, and found that site-faithful 3 3 spent significantly less time settling on a territory prior to defending that territory than 3 3 settling at a site for the first time. Because 3 3 examining sites are probably more at risk from predators, this study suggests that site-faithful 3 3 may experience lowered settlement costs than males returning to their original territory.