Aspects of territorial behaviour in three species of Pseudagrion Selys (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Observations were carried out at a stream in the southern Transvaal, Republic of South Africa, on 3 sympatric spp. Males were given unique colour combinations which enabled their recognition without recapture. P. citricola and P i. inconspicuum males established territories which they occupied throughout the day and from which they exluded conspecific males, and within which they allowed oviposition by other species. New territories were established each day. Detailed analyses of territorial behaviour were carried out by noting the types and outcome of 84 flights by 3(5 P. cilricola and 149 flights by 2 Q P i. inconspicuunu during285 min of observation. Flight activities consisted of patrolling (11.9% and 4.7% of all flights respectively), shifting (26.2% and 14.1%), investigatory (45.2% and 81.2%) and feeding flights (16.7% in P. cilricola only). Observations of the behaviour of 23 <5 P. salisburyense showed that it was non-territorial. The flight season of P. salisburyense was from early Oct, 1986 to mid-May 1987, and P. cilricola and P. i. inconspicuum from early Nov. 1986 to mid-May 1987.