Variation in non-territorial behaviour in male Calopteryx splendens xanthostoma (Charpentier) (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae)

Male calopterygid damselflies commonly demonstrate 2 alternative mate-securing tactics, occurring as either territorial or non-territorial individuals. Previous studies have assumed that non-territorial males constitute one category. This study describes variation in non-territorial behaviour which is dependent upon whether or not the non-territorial male had been displaced from a territory. Consequently, non-territorial males are classified as pre-territorial or post-territorial. Pre-territorial males are agonistic towards conspecific territorial males and fight to obtain territories. Post-territorial males rarely fight; instead they wait for territories to become vacant.