Sexual conflict and the evolution of monandry: The case of the damselfly <i>Ischnura hastata</i> (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) in the Galápagos Islands

Sexual selection favours the evolution and maintenance of polygamy, which is dominant reproductive strategy in insects. Monogamy can evolve very short-lived species due to time constraints. Here we study adult activity mating behaviour a population damselfly Ischnura hastata, rarely seen mating, has been suggested be monandric, wetlands Isabela Island, Galápagos. By means mark-recapture methods, estimated that daily survival rate was low, ranging from 0.385 0.876, yielding average life expectancies mature individuals only 1.2–3.2 days. Adults showed low before 7:00, indicating does not occur early. The number male–female interactions attempts extremely with 44 copulations recorded on over 230 h observations. Copulations were brief, mean duration 11 min (but two observed start). Males clear preference attempt grasp tandem females intermediate age (in 94.3% cases), rather than young (31.3%) or (24.0%). persistent once achieved, retaining for up 139 min, but most resisted did copulate. We conclude I. hastata show short window mate, exactly when they change colour juvenile mature, live enough mate once. Short lifespan selected female monandry creating an intense sexual conflict rates.