Preflight behaviour and the initiation of flight in tethered and unrestrained dragonfly, Calopteryx splendens (Harris) (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae)

The start of flight in C. splendens was investigated using high-speed photography and electrophysiological techniques. Occasional preflight neuromuscular activity and wing vibrations are considered as warm-up behaviour. Flight begins with a downstroke, and typical calopterygoid wing coordination is established in the first wingbeat cycle: the hindwings lead in downstroke, and the forewings lead in upstroke.