Adult life of a dragonfly consists of two phases, the pre-reproductive period
or maturation period and the reproductive period. Maturation period generally
lasts 2 weeks. However there are species of dragonflies with which this period
can take between 1 to 60 days, depending on climate and weather.
The
reproductive period begins when a sexually mature adult male dragonfly flies to
the mating site. The mating site is usually the margin of water where the eggs
are laid. The males usually arrive earlier than the females and space themselves
out along the water or the shore. Some males can be very territorial of this
space and will defend it vigorously. Some dragonfly species have a courtship
dance which the males perform for the females. But usually mating occurs
immediately when a female enters the space.
The mating position is very
unique among insects. The male clasps onto the female by the top of her thorax
or prothorax, forming a tandem position. This position then draws the female
abdomen toward the male creating a "wheel position". The couple can remain like
this for a few seconds to several hours. When it comes time for the female to
lay the eggs the male either leaves or stays behind to protect the female and
the eggs from other males and intruders. Some males even remain attached to the
females while she lays her eggs.
See next pages for diagrams....