Life History Phenology and Sediment Size Association of the Dragonfly Cordulegaster dorsalis (Odonata: Cordulegastridae) in an Ephemeral Habitat in Southwestern British Columbia

Authors

  • Laurie B. Marczak Department of Forest Sciences, University of British Columbia, 3041-2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4
  • John S. Richardson Department of Forest Sciences, University of British Columbia, 3041-2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4
  • Marie-Claire Classen Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW405, Biological Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v120i3.327

Keywords:

Odonata, dragonfly, Cordulegaster dorsalis, ephemeral stream, life history, phenology, British Columbia

Abstract

The life cycle of the dragonfly Cordulegaster dorsalis was studied over one year by systematic sampling of larvae in three intermittent headwater streams in southwestern British Columbia. We determined that larvae normally take three years to reach maturity, emerging throughout July and August. There is limited evidence suggesting a split cohort development, with early emergence after two years. Additionally, we tested whether larval instars were distributed randomly or if they occupied different sediment microhabitats. Smaller animals tend to be associated with smaller grained organic sediments, although there was high variation between the streams.

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Issue

Vol. 120 No. 3 (2006)

Section

Articles

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