Abstracts of the odonate papers presented at the XLVIII Convegno dell’Unione Zoologica Italiana / VII Convegno della Società Italiana di Etologia, Firenze, Italy, March 3-7, 1981

The reproductive behaviour of the two species was studied at a temporary pond in Central Italy by means of field observation and photography. Tandem formation, intra-male sperm translocation, copulation and oviposition were analysed and timed. The behavioural patterns are similar in the two species, but virens seems to be more active than barbarus. The ratio, duration of actual oviposition : duration of total oviposition, is higher in the former species. C. Utzeri and R. Raffi, Istituto di Zoologia dell' University di Roma. Viale dell’ University 32, 1-00100 Roma, Italy.