Wing loading in relation to size and flight characteristics of European Odonata

1300 specimens, representing 30 spp. were caught in northern Germany and southern France and measured. The wing areas were determined with a special-purpose computer and the weight was measured with a precision of ± 1 mg. Several weight classes were found, from an average of 45 mg in some Zygoptera to ca 876 mg in some Aeshnidae. The sample also fell into separate groups with respect to wing loading. Certain Anisoptera have relatively large wing loadings. Implications of the data with respect to ecology, ethology and flight biology of the Odonata are discussed. The changes in weight of Leucorrhinia rubicunda during the flight season were monitored, particular attention was paid to sex differences.