[Odonata-l] Color change near emergence

[Laura Elizabeth McMullen]

I have noticed in some Gomphidae larvae that there is a distinct  
difference in coloration between individuals of the final instar,  
especially in the eyes and wingpads.  While some individuals have eye  
and wingpad coloration similar to all smaller instars, other  
individuals have eyes that look "pasted over" and wingpads with very  
distinct swirling patterns in them.  I assume to attribute this to the  
changes in internal morphology and change to the adult form, and that  
those individuals with the changed coloration are very near emergence.  
  However, I did not notice a gradient of changes- only a very  
distinct change.  Does anyone know why only the distinct change would  
be evident, and especially does anyone know of any papers or sources  
that discuss this coloration change?

Cheers,
Laura McMullen


-- 
Laura McMullen
Department of Zoology
3029 Cordley Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331

Lab:  541-737-5536