The occurrence and activity of sperm in mature female Enallagma cyathigerum (Charpentier) (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Examination of 28 mature female E. cyathigerum, caught immediately after presumed oviposition or early in the day, has shown that 96% carried some stored sperm and that 54% had full sperm loads. Further copulations, therefore, start with well-filled sperm stores in such females. Spermathecal sperm is highly active and disperses rapidly in saline, whereas sperm from the bursa is inactive and remains as a solid plug for at least an hour after removal.