Eur. J. Entomol. 93 (4): 579-593, 1996
Colonisation and dispersal patterns of banded (Calopteryx splendens) and beautiful demoiselles (C. virgo) (Odonata: Calopterygidae) in south-east German streams
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Dispersal behaviour, colonisation and population structure of damsel-fly species were studied in south-east Germany using mark and recapture techniques. The occurrence of damsel-flies at stream sites was correlated with habitat quality, particularly with the stream flow characteristics, riparian vegetation structure and degree of isolation. The damsel-flies had an area specific average dispersal radius of 0.14 to 0.80 km. The maximum dispersal distance observed was 4 km over a 24 h period. Dispersal movements of more than 1 km ranged from 1 to 5% of the population. Dispersal distances depended on habitat quality factors and population density. Movements were not exclusively directed along streams and their tributaries. There was no significant difference in the dispersal behaviour of male and female damsel-flies, although males were recaptured more frequently. To quantify colonisation ability, the study tries to infer the approximate spatial extent of a damsel-fly metapopulation.
Keywords: Odonata, Calopterygidae, damsel-flies, colonisation, dispersal, habitat quality, metapopulation, migration behaviour, population density
Accepted: February 14, 1996; Published: December 15, 1996 Show citation
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