blue-tailed damselflies colouration

[diggleken]

hello all,
just thought it interesting the variety of thorax colours in the same species females (I think!) - violet and green, at seperate ponds only 500yds from each other and I gather they can be red too - anyone know why?
Cheers
Ken

[Hedge Witch]

Interesting question, Ken. No idea about these colour forms.

I know people have studied male mimicry and androchrome frequency (I'm talking about the blue form of the female Ischnura elegans). There is a theory that it is something to do with the harassment of females by males. As the andromorph, they are harassed to a lesser extent. Or so the theory goes. Andromorphic females increase in frequency where ambient temperature were lower. I'm not sure anyone really understands why yet.

So why all the other colour forms exist is anyone's guess.

[diggleken]

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

Interesting question, Ken. No idea about these colour forms.

I know people have studied male mimicry and androchrome frequency (I'm talking about the blue form of the female Ischnura elegans). There is a theory that it is something to do with the harassment of females by males. As the andromorph, they are harassed to a lesser extent. Or so the theory goes. Andromorphic females increase in frequency where ambient temperature were lower. I'm not sure anyone really understands why yet.

So why all the other colour forms exist is anyones guess.

Interesting reply Hedgie, didnt know that - what you are saying is blue looks blue never mind the sex and its easier to live with for the girls, when the chaps are so confused!
I might just start wearing some skirts and see what happens at home.......
But yeah, the other colour forms, as Peter Kay would say, whats that all about?
Someone will know something more.
Cheers a lot
Ken

[diggleken]

any other ideas while we have some insectivores about this morning?
BTW, going now - grandchildren calling.........................
Ken