Notes on the final emergence and moulting pattern of Ischnura senegalensis Rambur, 1842 (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) and Anax immaculifrons Rambur, 1842 (Anisoptera, Aeshnidae)

Abstract

The complete emergence of two odonate species Ischnura senegalensis (Rambur, 1842) (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) and Anax immaculifrons (Anisoptera, Aeshnidae) were studied at Wardha district of Maharashtra, India. The average time to complete emergence in Ischnura senegalensis was 92.2 minutes and in the case of Anax immaculifrons the average time for the (F-0) stage larvae for emergence it into fully flying adult was 40 days. I. senegalensis emerges in a vertical posture and emerges between 8 00 h and 16 00 h during the day. Emergence of the A. immaculifrons was observed at night, with times ranging from 21h to 01h and it emerges in a vertical posture. The (F-1) stage larva of A. immaculifrons was cannibalised by the (F-0) stage larva by only cutting the thorax and separating the head and abdomen. One unsuccessful emergence was observed in A. immaculifrons, where one of the wings remain wrinkled and unstretched.