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GOLDEN GEM MATING AND OVIPOSITING

on 17th February 2015

“The Golden Gem damselfly (Libellago lineata, family Chlorocyphidae) has a limited distribution in Singapore and is only known from a few pristine streams within the central catchment forests. In October 2014, I had the opportunity to observe the adults along such a stream habitat.

“The handsome male is dressed in a regal suit of black and golden yellow and will take up a prominent position over his favoured stretch of the stream, guarding his territory (above).

“The female (above) can also be quite attractive, even though her yellow markings may not be as brilliant as the male’s.

“Video clips of the male and female may be viewed above.

“After a long wait, the male’s patience may be rewarded with the arrival of a receptive female. Soon after adopting the mating wheel position (above, below), rhythmic undulations of the male’s abdomen would be noticeable.

“Video clips of the mating behaviour may be viewed below.

“When mating has been completed, the female carries out her task of ovipositing into submerged twigs and branches (below).

“Video clips of these egg laying attempts may be viewed below.

“A summary slideshow of this damselfly species may be viewed below.”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
29th January 2015

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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