Agonistic behaviour in final-instar larvae of Austrocnemis splendida (Odonata : Coenagrionidae), and a challenge to the 'Agriocnemidinae'

Abstract

Larval agonistic displays are reported from Austrocnemis splendida, a small coenagrionid damselfly. Sixteen major displays were distinguished. The agonistic behaviour repertoire of A. splendida is contrasted with published information on other coenagrionid larvae, especially with Agriocnemis pygmaea, putatively a member of the same subfamily. Marked differences in larval display behaviour between A. splendida and A. pygmaea provide evidence against a close relationship between these species. No support is found for including A. splendida in the Agriocnemidinae. It is postulated that the Agriocnemidinae are an artificial construct, its components linked through convergence in form of the reduced wing structures of these very small dragonflies.