Orthetrum caledonicum (Brauer, 1865)

Grand, Daniel, Marinov, Milen, Jourdan, Herve, Cook, Carl, Rouys, Sophie, Mille, Christian & Theuerkauf, Jörn, 2019, Distribution, habitats, phenology and conservation of New Caledonian Odonata, Zootaxa 4640 (1), pp. 1-112 : 84

Orthetrum caledonicum (Brauer, 1865)

( Fig. 89 )

Libellula caledonicum Brauer, 1865a: 505 ; Libellula coelestis Selys-Longchamps, 1849 (nomen nudum); Libellula braminae Fabricius, 1798 .

Distribution ( Fig. 90 ). This species is known from Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu ( Tsuda 2000). In New Caledonia, it is recorded from more 70 localities on Grande Terre, Île des Pins and Ouvéa, often in large populations. Bigot (1985) collected this species in Dumbéa municipality, in the Baie de Prony, and in the Plaine des Lacs. One specimen collected in Nouméa is held at the ONNC collection and others, collected in 2001 and 2008 in La Foa (Pocquereux valley), are held in the CXMNC collection.

Habitat. This species dwells in standing or slowly flowing water in sunny places. It also occurs on ultramafic soil.

Biology and behaviour. We found exuviae of this species, which seems to emerge year-round, low in the vegetation on the banks. Males defend a small territory in which mating occurs. Mating lasts 2–3 minutes, on the ground or in low vegetation. The female lays her eggs with the perched or hovering male guarding nearby, even in the absence of other males. The female releases her eggs on contact with water.

Status. We rank O. caledonicum as LC.

Figures

FIGURE 89. Orthetrum caledonicum: a) male, b) female.

FIGURE 90. Records of Orthetrum caledonicum.