Rate of larval development of Pantala flavescens (Fabricius) at its southern limit of range in Australia (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre

MDFRC item.

The larvae of Pantala flavescens completed egg and larval development in less than 51 days in fish farm ponds, at a latitude 2 degree south of its previously known distributional range in southern Australia. The development rate was less than recorded in earlier studies. Larvae of a second generation were collected from the ponds until May, and were absent until the following February. This evidence indicates that the larvae can complete a life cycle, but their progeny do not overwinter, and that the new population each year is probably derived from migratory adults.