Effects of photoperiod and temperature on abnormal wing-pad development in two species of Odonata

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Abstract
Nymphs of the damselflies Enallagma hageni and E. aspersum were collected in North Carolina [USA] from Aug. or Sept. to March and subjected to long- and short-day photoperiods at 16.degree. and 21.degree. C. Abnormal wing pads frequently developed in the later instars of both species under daylength-temperature combinations that induced extra molts and slow growth from the middle instars to emergence. Abnormal wing pads were formed only at the higher temperature, primarily under short-day conditions, where extra molts were generally more numerous and growth was usually slower than under long days. Abnormal wing pads occurred under long days at 21.degree. C only in the early experiments, when extra molts were common; growth was also slow under these conditions. Mortality was considerably higher in nymphs with abnormal wing pads than in those undergoing normal development. The absence of abnormal wing pads at 16.degree. C compared with 21.degree. C suggests that even small temperature alterations such as those resulting from discharges of heated water, may have adverse effects on the development of some aquatic insects.

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