Observations on the Territoriality of some Dragonflies Related to Pond and Canal Water

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Authors

  • Rahul Podder
     Department of Zoology, RKMVC College, Rahara, Kolkata–700 118 ,IN
  • Chinmoy Ghosh
     Department of Zoology, RKMVC College, Rahara, Kolkata–700 118 ,IN
  • Debkumar Datta
     Department of Zoology, RKMVC College, Rahara, Kolkata–700 118 ,IN

Keywords:

Barakashipur Forest, Dakshin Dinajpur District, Dragonflies, Resource Sharing, Partitioning, Dual Flight.

Abstract

Observations with twelve species of dragonflies habitating a temporary small pond at Barakashipur Forest of Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal (JL No. 53, area 31.7644 ha, external boundary 4.400 km, under Raiganj WLS, Dinajpur N dist.) and a 300 meter away canal, rain water fed from river Atrai (distributary of river Teesta) were continued for an year only. During this observation, Ditch Jewels were noticed to chase and dislocate Ruddy Meadow Skimmers from aquatic vegetation. Common Club Tails do not allow Ruddy Marsh Skimmers and Green Marsh Hawks on the highest tip of aquatic twigs, though the latter accommodate in the lower tiers of the same twig. Yellow Tailed Ashy Skimmers roam about all along the territory with other dragonflies and preferably rest on stick like vegetation on marshy bodies. Trumpet Tails and Little Blue Marsh Hawks occupy the central and/or peripheral part of the canal after the Ditch Jewels vacate it, owing to higher fluviatility of the water. Greater Crimson Gliders inhabited the periphery of the canal water but they prefer to work on the long grasses and leaf lamina of large foliage in the aquatic body. Common Picture Wing is a low flier, peace preferring dragonfly living on non-central of this aquatic body. Fulvous Forest Skimmers and Yellow Tailed Ashy Skimmers are friendly in roaming, while the former work on dried benthic vegetation and rest on twig tip. Rufous Marsh Gliders are active in degraded water bodies. These carnivorous (sometimes cannibalistic) insects survive by avoiding competition through territoriality.

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2015-12-01

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Volume 12 , Issue 2 , December 2015

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