Differences in adult and reproductive lifespan in the two male forms of Mnais pruinosa costalis selys (Odonata: Calopterygidae)

The damselfly Mnais pruinosa costalis (Odonata: Calopterygidae) is unusual in that males are dimorphic, existing as clear‐winged non‐territorial ‘sneaks’ and orange‐winged territorial ‘fighters’. Here we report the results of population census data and behavioural observations in the field and laboratory, and present estimates of emergence period, reproductive period, total lifespan, and reproductive success of each morph. Clear‐winged males are smaller and have lower daily reproductive success than orange‐winged males, but live for longer in the field and laboratory. We accounted for the difference in the ‘operational reproductive life’ of the two morphs and estimated lifetime reproductive success: there was no difference between clear‐winged and orange‐winged males. We discuss possible mechanisms for the maintenance of the two forms.