Dragonflies (Odonata) From The Sierras Of Tapirapeco And Unturan, In The Extreme South Of Venezuela
Author
DeMarmels, Jurg
text
Acta Biologica Venezuelica
1992
14
1
57
78
journal article
10.5281/zenodo.3266063
39c9ce8d-d95d-467e-9590-ab184d952201
3266063
Libellula herculea
Karsch, 1889
Material.
1♀
, reared from antepenultimate instar larva, Base Camp.
Remarks. The larva was found together with many more of the same species, and with larvae of
Triacanthagyna
dentata
in several phytotelmata held by a fallen tree (see above under
Microstigma
rotundatum
for habitat description). An adult male had established its territory around the log and a second male was seen there as well, but none was taken.
It is interesting to note that North of the Orinoco, in the Coastal Cordillera.
L
.
herculea
breeds in quiet portions of rocky quebradas (mountain creeks), but also in water-filled crevices of rocks which may be overflown periodically by the quebrada after rainfall.
L. herculea
is the only Vene. zuelan dragonfly with a definite courtship display, which seems identical to that of
Libellula (Belonia) croceipennis
Selys
, described by
Williams (1977)
. Oviposition behavior is also identical.