Change of morphometric and allometric patterns on wings of banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) males in case of ecologically different watercourse types

Abstract

In the nature, larvae living in watercourses are exposed to a complex system of environmental influences. It is known that different watercourse types (creeks, brooks, streams, little rivers and medial rivers) provide different conditions for larval development (water depth, flow rate, temperature, oxygen content, substrate type, nutrient supply, etc.). These conditions can vary significantly between watercourse types, but be very similar within types. In this work, we examined the body sizes and wing morphometric characteristics of males of Calopteryx splendens reared from different watercourse types (brook, stream, creek, little river, medial river). Although there were no significant differences in body size among watercourse types, we found significant differences in the wing features. We found the most differences between the individuals reared from streams and creeks and between the individuals reared from stream and medial river. Our results show that the individuals reared from different watercourse types were clearly separated on the two wings. The results also suggest that there are significant differences in the number and pattern of allometric features on the wings of individuals reared from different watercourse types.

Environmentally friendly assessment of ecological quality of watercourses based on banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens

“…Similar to our findings, Hassall & Thompson (2009) found that wing asymmetry in C. splendens did not vary between studied sites in England. However, Szabó et al (2022) demonstrated that morphometric characteristics may vary remarkably in different watercourse types. Nagy et al (2016) demonstrated higher Chl-a contents in surface water along the lower sections of the Tisza River.…”

“…However, Szabó et al. (2022) demonstrated that morphometric characteristics may vary remarkably in different watercourse types.…”