Sexual Recognition in Adult Erythemis Simplicicollis (Odonata: Anisoptera)

Abstract

This research was conducted primarily to determine if male dragonflies of the dimorphic species Erythemis simplicicollis reacted differently towards the different sexes, and, if so, to find out what sexual differences served as stimuli for the various behavioral patterns. Altogether thirty-five experiments were conducted in the marsh of Ebaugh Pond, Denison University, utilizing St. Quentin's fishing-line technique (1934) to simulate natural conditions. The experimentation involved altering the physical appearance of both live and dead dragonflies of both sexes and observing the reaction of free males towards these specimens. It was concluded that the visual recognition in this dimorphic species involved stimulation by perception of body coloration, and did not include any recognition of variation in flight pattern or any other subtle difference in behavior.