The influence of sperm precedence patterns and mating costs on copulation duration in odonates : predictions and supporting data.

NUYTS and MICHIELS (1993) developed a model that predicts how insect copulation duration should vary under varying conditions of intra-male competition, mating systems and copulatory mechanisms in order to optimize the male's reproductive success. In this paper, we compare the predictions of this model with data of odonates. In general, the data seem to support the predictions, especially the prediction that territoriality, a lower take-over probability, a higher female encounter rate or a shorter time between copulation and first oviposition bout shorten copulation. We conclude that the model is well-suited for odonates, and point out how it can have some practical use.