Ovarian development and age recognition in the damselfly, Argia moesta (Hagen, 1961) (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

This study traces ovarian development from the teneral through four postteneral ages in Argia moesta. Terminal follicle size and proportions of ovarioles having specific follicle sizes distinguish these ages internally. Externally, the ages relate to color patterns and pruinescence. Asynchronous function of ovarioles, follicle resorption, and follicular relic recognition complicate use of these structures in projecting ecological parameters. No useful relations appear possible in ovariole number and follicle number per ovariole. The largely undeveloped tenerals inherit little to no fatty tissue from the larval stage drawing attention to the importance of conditions at emergence. Tandem marks and filled spermathecae identify mated females. Four post-teneral male ages exist scored by degree of pruinescence development and condition of seminal vesicles. The study recognizes geographic variability in the age-dependent changes.