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| Habitat
Mostly lentic environments such as marshes, cool ponds, swamps, and littoral regions of lakes (1). Some species are found in the benthic environment of streams among debris (1). The genus Tetragoneuria is the most common genus found in northeastern regions of the US. Occurring frequently in temperate and southern taiga regions; regions that border coniferous forests. The genus Tetragoneuria can be found as far south as Florida and Texas (3). Life History Life cycles on average last two-to-four years in the northern hemisphere, and shorter life cycles in the southern hemisphere (1). Larval distribution has been recorded to be discontinuous and grouped, often occurring within short distance of the shoreline in shallow water. The method of egg dispersal may be an influencing factor to these findings (3). Larvae in their resting state have been observed burrowing into detritus deposits of small streams. In the lower peninsula of Michigan, the species T. cynosure larval stages persist for two to three years depending on water column temperature (3). Larvae emergence of some species may be synchronized and lead to the formation of large swarms (1). The adult flight period is predominately from May to early July (1). Oviposition sites often overlap with mating sites, which suggest that several generations of Corduliidae are born and die in the same geographic location (4). Adult life span varies geographically. In northern Michigan, the adult life span of the species Tetragoneuria cynosure ranges from 3.5 weeks to 8.0 weeks, suggesting that climate has an influence on adult life span duration (3). Adults are most active during midday (5). The mating and feeding schedule has been correlated to the amount of sunlight in both Michigan and in Spain (3, 5). Feeding Behavior Corduliidae are carnivorous predators. Larvae first consume small protozoans and similar-sized metazoans. Then gradually as the mouthparts continue to morph, larvae begin preying on larger, more variable prey such as microcrustacea (3). |
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