Oviposition of Sympetrum into sea water and other records of unusual dragonfly behaviour (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae, Libellulidae)

Two trustworthy biologists have reported to me their interesting observations, made in summer 1984, which 1 believe worth to be put on record. Greece. Mikonos (Cyclades), in two different days and localities, between August 25-28, Gabriele Schino observed several dragonfly tandems (red male and yellowish female) which I presume to be Sympetrum, swaying over the sea, while females actually dipped their abdomens into the water. This occurred at 2-10 m from the sandy shore. The rocky bottom was 0.5-2 m deep. In three instances this behaviour was timed at 1:30, 1:30 and 3 min. The island of Mikonos apparently lacks both water and trees. No fresh water was present within 200 m from the shore. Water was contained in greek cisterns in the nearby island of Dehlos.