Damselfly - mid-wife..or egg-thief? (1 Viewer)

Kalitechnis

Well-known member

• Jan 5, 2019

• #1

I wonder if anyone has seen, read or heard about the behaviour that I discovered with this photogragh I took of a Common Blue Damselfly calmly waiting for a meal as the Emporer lays her eggs.

 

Last edited: Jan 5, 2019

pdwinter

Paul Winter

• Jan 5, 2019

• #2

Yes. It's a Common Blue Damselfly rather than an Azure and they do seem to follow ovipositing Emperor around - quite a few pics on the facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/561222590593478/?fref=ts and no doubt elsewhere. I've forgotten the possible reasons given for them doing this - I'll try and look it up later.

 

Kalitechnis

Well-known member

• Jan 5, 2019

• #3

Thanks for your reply, Paul, and for correcting my damselfly mis-identification...and the link.

 

pdwinter

Paul Winter

• Jan 6, 2019

• #4

I had a look through my books and on some other forums but couldn't find any reason given why Common Blue Damselflies pester / land on ovipositing female Emperors - although it is believed they are attracted by the blue on Emperors. Azure Damselflies also do it although I haven't seen that myself. Common Blue males will also approach perched male Emperors which is probably a risky business.

 

Kalitechnis

Well-known member

• Jan 6, 2019

• #5

I really appreciate your taking the time to research this, Paul.
In my photo, the damselfly is clearly touching the Emperor's ovipositor area, surely waiting for the next egg to gobble up? Clearly it is an assumption of mine...but how would you otherwise explain it?
I have numerous photos of (often multiple) damselflies buzzing the female Emperors, but this looks so defined and specialised a behaviour, wouldn't you agree?
Do you know if they actually eat eggs, of any insect? I cannot find any account of it...but you never know...

Thanks again,
Peter

 

pdwinter

Paul Winter

• Jan 7, 2019

• #6

Kalitechnis said:

In my photo, the damselfly is clearly touching the Emperor's ovipositor area, surely waiting for the next egg to gobble up? Clearly it is an assumption of mine...but how would you otherwise explain it?
Peter

Click to expand...

Looks like the Common Blue is resting on the Emperor's abdomen. The ovipositor is inserted in the lily where the eggs are being laid.

I only have Corbet (Dragonflies: Behaviour and Ecology of Odonata) in which there is no mention of dragonflies eating the eggs of other dragonflies.

You probably need to find a specialist insect forum to ask the question !

Cheers

Paul

 

Kalitechnis

Well-known member

• Jan 7, 2019

• #7

Many thanks again for your help, Paul. I really appreciate it.

Cheers,
Peter