OdonataTaxonomy_WfHC_PDF - CSIRO

Reproduction and Establishment
Reproduction
The Odonata are unusual in that the male has secondary genitalia at the base of the abdomen, to which he transfers
sperm prior to mating. This produces a very characteristic coupling pose, where the male grasps the female behind
the head with claspers at the end of his abdomen, and the female places the tip of her abdomen up to the base of the
male abdomen. Elaborate courtship rituals are often precede mating.
Dispersability
Coenagrion lyelli
Eusynthemis virgula
Animals which inhabit standing, often temporary, water sources often display the ability for dispersal and
migration over great distances. Adult dragonflies are strong fliers, and even though their larvae require water, lone
adults are often seen great distances from water. This enables them to recolonize patches of standing water that are
either unsuitable or non-existent during parts of the year.
Juvenile period
Larvae vary in habit, but all are aquatic. They can moult up to 15 times before they reach the final instar and are
ready to emerge. All larvae are predaceous, and they are generally ambush predators which remain concealed in
silt, or under rocks and plants, waiting for slow-moving prey. Odonata larvae are unusual in having hinged,
prehensile mouthparts with strong teeth which they can shoot out to capture their prey.
Hydrology and Salinity
Salinity Tolerance
Kefford et al. (2003) reported Odonata to be more tolerant to salinity than many other aquatic macroinvertebrates;
however, Bailey et al. (2002), Gooderham & Tsyrlin (2002) and Chessman (2003) showed a wide range of
tolerance within the group. For example, on the SIGNAL 2 grades of 1-10 (1 being least sensitive and 10 being
most sensitive), Odonata families ranged from 1 (Lestidae) to 10 (Austrocorduliidae) (Chessman, 2003).
Flooding Regimes
Alternating periods of flooding and drought could affect dragonfly and damselfly larvae, which need water for
survival. The strong flying ability of adults will allow recolonization of aquatic habitats after periods of drought.
Several species of Australian Odonata have larvae that are drought resistant, and can survive temporarily in an
inactive state if free water is withdrawn (Watson, 1982).
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