Life history studies on the damselfly Sympecma paedisca Brull (Odonata : Lestidae)‎ in a shallow pond in Garmat-Ali, Basrah.

Abstract EN

Life history of Sympecma paedisca Brull has been investigated in a combined field and laboratory study.

The field study is conducted a shallow pond in Garmat-Ali, Basrah in the period from October 1997 to September 1998.

Some environmental factors such as temp., D.O., PH.

and salinity were measured.

The field results indicate that the life cycle is univoltine, however this species is unique in that it does not enter nymphal diapause.

Emergence is rather an unsynchronized and dispersed temporally.

Sexual maturation requires four weeks.

Oviposition site is potamogeton.

The laboratory study revealed that incubation period was 14 days at 27 ºC.

The nymphal stage includes twelve instars and requires 252.5 days for completion the development.

The whole life cycle requires 266.5 days.