Moskowitz, David Paul. The life history, behavior and conservation of the Tiger Spiketail dragonfly (Cordulegaster erronea Hagen) in New Jersey. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3F76FM8
DescriptionThis dissertation explores the life history and behavior of the Tiger Spiketail dragonfly (Cordulegaster erronea Hagen) and provides recommendations for the conservation of the species. Like most species in the genus Cordulegaster and the family Cordulegastridae, the Tiger Spiketail is geographically restricted, patchily distributed with its range, and a habitat specialist in habitats susceptible to disturbance. Most Cordulegastridae species are also of conservation concern and the Tiger Spiketail is no exception. However, many aspects of the life history of the Tiger Spiketail and many other Cordulegastridae are poorly understood, complicating conservation strategies. In this dissertation, I report the results of my research on the Tiger Spiketail in New Jersey. The research to investigate life history and behavior included: larval and exuvial sampling; radio-telemetry studies; marking-resighting studies; habitat analyses; observations of ovipositing females and patrolling males, and the presentation of models and insects to patrolling males. The research reports: the first use of radio-telemetry for the species; the first observations of mating; the first comprehensive report and analysis of larval site emergence site selection; the triggering mechanisms for male recognition of females; adult and larval habitat use, and many other life history and behavioral aspects of the species. The dissertation also provides recommendations for conservation strategies that maybe useful for protecting the Tiger Spiketail and other Cordulegastridae species.