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<p>In this study, we aimed to understand how intra- and interspecific interference may vary according to the life stage in tropical Odonata species. We hypothesized that competition in the larval stages is mostly responsive to total densities due to high diet overlap among different groups, while in adults, intraspecific interference may be more intense due to sexual selection mechanisms operating as deterministic stabilizing processes. Therefore, the study integrated two approaches, focusing on 1. Laboratory experiments, where larvae of <i>Acanthagrion</i> (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) and <i>Erythrodiplax</i> (Anisoptera, Libellulidae) were allocated to four different treatments, with variation in total abundance and dominance of species; 2. Field observations, where we assessed adult co-occurrences and species interactions. Our results suggested a stronger intraspecific interference in both life stages. We found spatial segregation in the larval stage decreasing interspecific interference. However, adults were spatially segregated at a fine scale, increasing the frequency of intraspecific interactions, especially in species with prominent territoriality. This study provided novel results on how intraspecific competition acts during both the larval and adult stages of the Odonata life cycle, and how coexistence mechanisms could be consistent along ontogenetic development, broadening our understanding of processes sustaining biodiversity in tropical ecosystems.</p>

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Intraspecific competition along different life stages can stabilize coexistence among dragonflies and damselflies

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月17日

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  • Gabrielle C. Pestana,
  • Frederico de Oliveira Zanatta,
  • Eduarda Saciloti,
  • Victor S. Saito

摘要

In this study, we aimed to understand how intra- and interspecific interference may vary according to the life stage in tropical Odonata species. We hypothesized that competition in the larval stages is mostly responsive to total densities due to high diet overlap among different groups, while in adults, intraspecific interference may be more intense due to sexual selection mechanisms operating as deterministic stabilizing processes. Therefore, the study integrated two approaches, focusing on 1. Laboratory experiments, where larvae of Acanthagrion (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) and Erythrodiplax (Anisoptera, Libellulidae) were allocated to four different treatments, with variation in total abundance and dominance of species; 2. Field observations, where we assessed adult co-occurrences and species interactions. Our results suggested a stronger intraspecific interference in both life stages. We found spatial segregation in the larval stage decreasing interspecific interference. However, adults were spatially segregated at a fine scale, increasing the frequency of intraspecific interactions, especially in species with prominent territoriality. This study provided novel results on how intraspecific competition acts during both the larval and adult stages of the Odonata life cycle, and how coexistence mechanisms could be consistent along ontogenetic development, broadening our understanding of processes sustaining biodiversity in tropical ecosystems.