Behavioural ecology of Erythemis plebeja (Burmeister) at a small pond in southeastern Brazil (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

An analysis of the time-budget and a description of reproductive behaviour at a small pond in Vigosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil are presented. The observations support the classification of this sp. as a percher. It also conforms to the predictions of other studies that large perchers are usually more aggressive toward conspeciftcs. E. plebeja S S were usually observed simulating oviposition in the areas they previously defended, and evolutionary aspects of this behaviour are discussed.