Dragonfly, damselfly, Zygoptera, submerged oviposition, oviposition site selection, anti-predation strategy

In July 2009, we recorded this specific behaviour in a population of Lestes sponsa in the Czech Republic, (Moravia, Štramberk). We subsequently studied the frequency of this phenomenon at regional (16 sites surveyed in an area of ca 1260 km2) and local (proportions of eggs laid beneath and above the water?s surface at 3 locations) levels. We examined further key environmental factors influencing underwater oviposition and certain ecological parameters (depth and time) of this behaviour in L. sponsa. The frequency of underwater oviposition on the regional scale was relatively low (<20%), but the frequency of this behaviour on a local scale was sometimes high. At those sites where underwater oviposition occurred, 4,759 (62%) out of a total of 7,699 eggs were laid underwater. The main factors affecting underwater oviposition were transparency of the water column and type of submerged vegetation.

In July 2009, we recorded this specific behaviour in a population of Lestes sponsa in the Czech Republic, (Moravia, Štramberk). We subsequently studied the frequency of this phenomenon at regional (16 sites surveyed in an area of ca 1260 km2) and local (proportions of eggs laid beneath and above the water?s surface at 3 locations) levels. We examined further key environmental factors influencing underwater oviposition and certain ecological parameters (depth and time) of this behaviour in L. sponsa. The frequency of underwater oviposition on the regional scale was relatively low (<20%), but the frequency of this behaviour on a local scale was sometimes high. At those sites where underwater oviposition occurred, 4,759 (62%) out of a total of 7,699 eggs were laid underwater. The main factors affecting underwater oviposition were transparency of the water column and type of submerged vegetation.