Autumn southward migration of dragonflies along the Baltic coast and the influence of weather on flight behaviour

Despite mass movements of insects being documented for decades, whether dragonflies migrate in Europe has not yet been experimentally tested. Similarly, little is known about the influence weather on movement decisions and intensity dragonflies. Taking advantage large along Baltic Sea coast Latvia, we investigated European showed directed indicative migratory behaviour how influences their movements. First, performed orientation tests with individual two commonly captured species, Aeshna mixta Sympetrum vulgatum , to determine flight direction differed from wind direction. Both A. S. displayed a uniform mean southward orientation, which prevailing overhead direction, indicating behaviour. Second, conditions abundance captured. Differences relation were observed between smaller species ( sanguineum ). Generally, temperature, cloud cover most important predictors dragonfly abundance, temperature positively, negatively, influencing abundance. appeared select favourable tail winds (northerlies), whereas increased more easterly winds. Our results provide information local dragonflies, as well evidence migration coast. • Evidence Europe. show flight. Temperature, predict intensity. Migratory respond differently weather. The migrant hawker selects