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| Habitat
Calopterygidae are found in permanent streams along the banks. Favoring lotic environments, this family seeks residence in areas of high vegetation and debris (1,3). Life History Univoltine or semivoltine depending on the species. The adults have a flight period primarily from later May to October (1). Mating occurs during the flight period and can be performed up to 200 times, although sperm transmission is known to only occur up to two times (4). The highly territorial males become aggressive during mating season and have been observed chasing and/or attacking intruding males (3). The average territory is a 2 meter area positioned along the water. Within this area there is at least one perch and several oviposition sites. A mature male occupies a territory for 1-8 days and waits for fertile females to approach the territory (4). A complex courtship occurs as the male approaches from above and mounts the female, positioning himself for the tandem position. Once the male anal appendages are attached to the female prothorax the male and female get closer together. Sperm is transported from the gonopore, located on the male's ninth abdomen segment to the penis vesicle, found on the second segment (4). The female responds to the male by swinging her abdomen forward, creating a heart-shaped loop, in order for the transmission of sperm to the spermatheca to occur (2). Feeding Behavior Calopterygidae larvae feed on small invertebrates and use a mask-like, elongated labium to capture prey. Once the labium has been extended to grasp the prey, the mandibles are used to hold and devour the organism (5). Mayfly larvae are common prey for Calopterygidae, where a swarming technique has been observed as an effective method used to consume large quantities (5). Calopterygidae nymphs are commonly fed upon by minnows, tadpoles, and large predatory insects such as beetles (6). |
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