Age determination of adult Odonata

Collections of adult ÓÓ, Austrolestes annulosus, A. leda (Lestidae) and Ischnura heterosticta (Coenagrionidae) were made every 2-3 days between September, 1970 and May, 1971. Sections of hind legs (4/a) were examined with a polarisation microscope. Post maturation age in days was estimated on the basis of the number of endocuticular layers. The reliability of this method is discussed by comparison with other methods of age determination.