Panov E.N.1, Opaev A.S.1, Pavlova E.Yu.1, Nepomnyashchikh V.A.2 2016. Behaviour of two demoiselle species (Calopteryx splendens, C. virgo) during social interaction: a signal or a symptom? // Russian Entomol. J. Vol.25. No.1: 103–120 [in English].

1 A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prosp., 33, Moscow, 119071 Russia. E-mail: panoven@mail.ru

2 Institute of Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Borok, 152742 Russia.

KEY WORDS: damselfly, agonistic behaviour, evolution of courtship behaviour, sexual selection.

ABSTRACT. Based on the analysis of video recordings, obtained during five field seasons, we suggest a pattern of analytical description of damselfly (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae) behaviour in a broad spectrum of social contexts. The arrays of motor coordinations and their place in social interactions are studied comparatively and in the temporal dynamic. The first description of the full set of behaviours of Banded Demoiselles Calopteryx splendens is given; the respective data for Beautiful Demoiselles C. virgo are significantly updated, and their interpretations are revised. The whole system of species-specific behaviour of each species is presented as a systemic syndrome. We provide critique of the currently prevailing interpretations of functional explanations of damselfly behaviour, which are based on openly anthropomorphic approaches. We suggest an alternative approach, based on an earlier paradigm of field and analytical ethology, neglected in the recent decades.

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