Female Colour Polymorphism and Unique Reproductive Behaviour in Polythore Damselflies (Zygoptera: Polythoridae)

Area of Science:

• * Odonatology
• * Behavioral Ecology
• * Population Genetics

Background:

• * The genus Polythore damselflies exhibit unique characteristics, including potential female color polymorphism.
• * Understanding reproductive behaviors and morph maintenance is crucial for damselfly population dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the population dynamics and reproductive behaviors of Polythore damselflies in Ecuador.
• * To determine if female color phenotypes in Polythore mutata are age-related or represent a stable polymorphism.
• * To analyze age-dependent changes in wing band coloration and their potential influence on mating.

Main Methods:

• * Mark-recapture techniques were employed over 48 days in the Jatun Sacha Biological Reserve, Ecuador.
• * Three Polythore species were identified: P. mutata, P. derivata, and P. concinna.
• * Female phenotypes (androchrome and gynochrome) and wing band coloration were documented and analyzed for age-related changes.

Main Results:

• * Polythore mutata exhibited two female color morphs: androchrome (white wing band) and gynochrome (amber wing band).
• * Both phenotypes were maintained from emergence to maturation, indicating a non-age-related polymorphism.
• * Wing band size changed with age, increasing in males and decreasing in females; reproductive behaviors were rarely observed.

Conclusions:

• * The study confirms a stable, non-age-related color polymorphism in female Polythore mutata.
• * Age-dependent color changes in wing bands may play a role in sexual selection or signaling.
• * The rarity of observed reproductive behaviors in Polythore warrants further investigation into mating systems and morph maintenance mechanisms.