Oviposition
After a female Odonata has mated with the male, she immediately starts ovipositing (laying eggs). Some species deposit their eggs into the water, while others attach the eggs to vegetation growing in or near the water. The role of the male in the process varies from species to species. Some are not involved and the female selects the target area for the eggs. Other species find the male flying around and around patrolling and protecting the area where the female is placing the eggs. Still other species find the male continuing to grasp the back of the head of the female and they fly and land jointly during oviposition.
Pictures updated: Sep 26, 2023
1 – Common Green Darner KS
2 – Variable Dancer KS
3 – Widow Skimmer IL
4 Orange Bluet OH
5 – Slaty Skimmer TN
6 – Eastern Amberwing PA
7 – Eastern Forktail IL
8 – Blue Dasher IN
9 – Familiar Bluet TX
10 – Orange Bluet NY
