A comparison of the reproductive behaviours of three Calopteryx species (Odonata: Calopterygidae) in Nova Scotia

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Abstract
Although repertoires were similar, duration of pair-forming and postcopulatory displays varied among three sympatric Calopteryx species in Nova Scotia. Preliminary ("cross") displays were shortest in C. maculata and longest in C. aequabilis, and were often omitted completely in C. amata. Courtships displays ("arcs") were briefest and least elaborate in C. maculata and most elaborate and protracted in C. amata. Courtship sequences were most successful (led to copulation) in C. aequabilis and least successful in C. amata, although males of this species were most persistent. Most female C. maculata oviposited at the surface, guarded by mates. Most female C. aequabilis were also guarded, but oviposited both above and below the surface. Female C. amata were commonly unguarded, and most oviposited below the surface. We suggest that an interaction between territorial and oviposition behaviours, influenced by resource abundance, modulates reproductive behaviour in Calopteryx species.

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