Study species
Dragonflies and damselflies are considered as prime model systems for
evolutionary and ecological research (Córdoba-Aguilar 2008). One of the
most intensively studied families within Odonata isCalopterygidae (Córdoba-Aguilar, 2008). Calopteryx
splendens is a very conspicuous representative from this damselfly
family inhabiting lowland rivers in Europe (Askew, 1988; Dijkstra,
2006). C. splendens exhibits sexual dimorphism in body
colouration, with blue reflecting dark wing spots in the middle of the
wings of males, which is a trait easily recognizable from distance
(Askew, 2004). Average life span of a mature male is ca. 1 week
(Svensson et al., 2006; Svensson and Friberg, 2007; Tynkkynen et al.,
2009) and the territorial and sexual behaviours of calopterygids, as
well as traits determining C. splendens flight abilities, have
been intensively studied over the past 20 years (Marden, 2008; Suhonen
et al., 2008). Calopteryx sp. males defend territories (e.g.
floating aquatic vegetation) and demonstrate a wide range of easily
observed behaviours such as patrolling, aerial contests with
conspecifics and courtship dances (Golab et al., 2017; Marden and Waage,
1990; Rüppell et al., 2005; Waage, 1973). The flying patterns of
different behaviours are very specific and easy to observe with the
naked eye from a distance of several meters (Corbet, 1999; Golab et al.,
2017; Pajunen, 1966). The species easily habituates to the observer and
after a disturbance in/of their environment, damselflies resume normal
activity within minutes (Golab et al., 2017, 2013). The adult damselfly
and its breeding sites are easily accessible to the investigator
(Córdoba-Aguilar & Cordero-Rivera 2005) and breeding site features can
be manipulated or highly controlled (Golab et al., 2017, 2013). Trapping
and behavioural observations do not affect individuals’
behaviours (Golab et al., 2017, 2013) and methods of individual marking
and field observations are well established and do not have overt
effects on individuals (e.g. Golab et al., 2017; Kuitunen et al., 2010;
Plaistow and Siva-Jothy, 1996). Adult C. splendens individuals
have strong site fidelity and less than 15% of population disperse more
than 150 m (Schutte et al., 1997; Stettmer, 1996).