The use of termite mounds by the dragonflyCrocothemis divisaKarsch 1898 during the pre-reproductive period (Odonata Libellulidae)

摘要

In the Guinea Savanna Zone of the Ivory Coast (C#xF4;te d'Ivoire) the dragonflyCrocothemis divisaKarsch 1898 survives the dry season as sexually inactive adults. Both sexes use mounds of the termiteMacrotermes bellicosus(Smeathman 1781) as daytime resting sites. Individuals were often observed to aggregate on a few particular mounds, while the majority of mounds remained unoccupied. The insects, which perch in the shade on the ribs of the steep mound sides, repeatedly change their positions during the course of the day in response to direct solar illumination. Flights are very short and not accompanied by the aggressive behaviour typical of sexually active individuals. The choice of termite mounds is compared with this species' known preference for bare perches and is considered to be of importance for thermoregulation and to reduce the risk of predation.