c_peck
copulation wheel
Blue Tailed Damselflies (Ischnura elegans) in a copulation wheel. Mating can last for up to 8 hours. The male, on top, has distinctive turquoise markings. The females come in three colours, identical to the male or two kinds of less conspicuous brown. No one knows why this female polymorphism exists. One theory suggests some females evolved to mimic males in order to avoid sexual harrasment from males whilst ovipositing. The balance between different morphs is maintained because the mimicing females mate less, and consequently have less offspring. The theory has not been proven.
copulation wheel
Blue Tailed Damselflies (Ischnura elegans) in a copulation wheel. Mating can last for up to 8 hours. The male, on top, has distinctive turquoise markings. The females come in three colours, identical to the male or two kinds of less conspicuous brown. No one knows why this female polymorphism exists. One theory suggests some females evolved to mimic males in order to avoid sexual harrasment from males whilst ovipositing. The balance between different morphs is maintained because the mimicing females mate less, and consequently have less offspring. The theory has not been proven.