ODONATOLOGICA Journal of the Societas Internationalis Odonatologica

Contents Volume 33, Issue 1 2004

Abro, A. Structure and function of the male sperm ducts and female sperm-storage organs in Aeshna juncea (L.) (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae). p. 1-10. By the use of light and electron microscopy, the micro-anatomy of the male genital ducts and the female reproductive organs have been surveyed. Sperm bundles transmitted from the testis through the vas deferens become embedded in a carrier jelly and also have additional substances bound to them; obviously the sperm cells are undergoing maturation. In the females, sperm bundles in carrier jelly appear to be deposited in the vaginal canal and, particularly, in the receptaculum seminis, the latter serving for long-term conservation. It seems possible that agents emitted from the posterior accessory glands to the vaginal surface near the genital aperture diffuse forwards, reaching the receptacle entrance. Here they presumably induce a liquefaction of the jelly and break-down of sperm bundles, thus releasing individual sperm cells. Free sperm cells are expected to accumulate in the anterior accessory sacs which they leave during fertilization. The morphological changes taking place in the sperm after transfer to the female genital tract appear ambiguous.

Beckemeyer, R. J. Notes on the behavior and mechanics of scooping oviposition in Libellula composita (Hagen) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae). p. 11-23. Females were observed ovipositing, both alone and in tandem, in Chaves County, New Mexico, United States. The female oviposits by scooping water droplets into the air with the tip of her abdomen. This mode of oviposition is common in many Libellulinae, but this is the first report of a female using it in tandem as well as in solo oviposition. The female L. composita also grips the male abdomen with her legs during post-copulatory oviposition flight, a behavior previously reported only in subfamilies Trameinae and Zygonychinae. Possible functional significance of this flight behavior is discussed based on observations and analyses of the mechanics of the oviposition process that are evident in photographs.

Carvalho, A. L.; Salgado, L. G. V. Two new species of Aeshna in the punctata group from southeastern Brazil (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae). p. 25-39. Based on material from the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, A. serrana sp. n. (holotype male: Serra do Subaio, Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro State) and A. itatiaia sp. n. (holotype male: Brejo da Lapa, Itamonte, Minas Gerais State) are described and illustrated. The type material is to be deposited in the Museu Nacional and in the Instituto de Biologia, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro. Morphological features of the 2 new spp. are compared in a table and SE Brazilian members of the punctata group (that includes also A. decessus, A. eduardoi and A. punctata) are keyed.

Kosterin, O. E. Odonata of the Daurskiy State Nature Reserve area, Transbaikalia, Russia. p. 41-71. Data were recorded in 1995-1997. An annotated list of species contains a full reference to the specimens collected, notes on biotope preferences, and relative abundance of spp. For some spp., taxonomic notes and data on variation are given. Among the 31 spp., there are the Manchurian Cercion v-nigrum Needh. and Anisogomphus maacki (Sel.), previously thought to range westwards up to Blagoveshchensk only. Anax parthenope Sel. and Pantala flavescens Fabr. proved to occur in Transbaikalia. The Chinese/Mongolian Ophiogomphus spinicornis Sel. enters the Russian territory in southern Transbaikalia, Baikal region and southern Tuva

De Marco, P. Jr.; Peixoto, P. E. Cardoso. Population dynamics of Hetaerina rosea Selys and its relationship to abiotic conditions (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae). p. 73-81. Aspects of population dynamics were tested against temperature, insolation and moisture. The monthly abundance of H. rosea was estimated utilizing a scan method based on 49 fixed areas in 30-min intervals from 0800 to 1700 h during the day. The daily male activity pattern is characterized by a sharp increase at 0900 h with continuous density until 1430 h, followed by a sharp decrease after 1600 h. A correlation between peak densities was observed during the year and high period of photoperiod and low evapotranspiration suggesting possible ways males can adjust their emergence periods to optimize water loss with longer reproduction periods of activities.

Garrison, R. W. An analysis of the Psaironeura tenuissima complex, including synonymy of P. machadoi De Marmels with P. bifurcata Sjostedt (Zygoptera: Protoneuridae). p. 83-89. A review of the exclusively South American components of the genus Psaironeura Williamson shows that only 2 spp. are involved, P. bifurcata (Sjostedt), and P. tenuissima (Selys). P. machadoi De Marmels is considered a synonym of P. bifurcata. Illustrations of the variability within the appendages, keys to males, and comments on the taxonomy of the group are included.

Lencioni, F. A. A. Telagrion nathaliae spec. nov. (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae). p. 91-98. Both sexes of the new sp. are described and illustrated. Holotype male: Brazil: Sao Paulo state, Jacarei, Fazenda Santana do Rio Abaixo, alt. 608 m, 07-II-1999, deposited in author's collection; allotype and paratypes from the same locality. It differs from T. macilentum by the male cerci possessing elongate, ventrally-directed projections, and by being straight in lateral view. 6 Brazilian spp. are keyed.

Tennessen, K. J. Minter Jackson Westfall, Jr. p. 99-103.

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