COPULATION, OVIPOSITION SITE SELECTION AND PREDATION RISK IN THE DRAGONFLY SPECIES CROCOTHEMIS-ERYTHRAEA (ODONATA, LIBELLULIDAE)

In the libellulid dragonfly Crocothemis erythraea (Brulle 1832), FF sh ow multiple matings with several MM during one visit of the reproducti ve site. They oviposite at various locations of the water. Pairs which are harassed by other MM during copulation fly off in the copulation wheel, and they copulate for a longer period of time before starting o viposition at another site. Escape flights increase the reproductive s uccess of the M by extending the duration of the subsequent ovipositio n. Multiple matings occur when ovipositing FF are harassed by other MM which patroll above the oviposition site. At high M densities, FF cop ulate more often than at low densities. Because of the frequent change s of site during multiple matings, the F exposes herself to predator ( frog) attacks during oviposition. Female behaviour for avoiding furthe r copulations after harassment by MM is discussed as an anti-predator defense.