Oviposition of Coenagriocnemis reuniensis (Fraser) in volcanic rock as an adaptation to an extreme running water habitat (Zygoptera : Coenagrionidae)

The sp. inhabits streams and rivers in the mountain forests of the Indian O cean of La Reunion. Because of heavy seasonal rainfalls and steep inclines, there are drastic changes of water level. As a consequence, no water plant s, roots or wet driftwood at all are available for oviposition. The sp. see ms to be well adapted to this habitat: females oviposit into wet soft and p orous lava stones. The closely related C. insularis and C. rufipes inhabit streams and rivers on Mauritius, where there are less extreme conditions. B oth spp. deposit eggs in plant tissue.