Developmental Stages and the Analysis of Zygopteran Life Histories

A simple method for analyzing zygopteran life histories based on developmental stages is described. Analysis of the life history of an Ischnura verticalis population in southern Ontario shows the same conclusions were reached using either the new method or a conventional instar analysis; yet, the new technique requires only one tenth the effort. Use of developmental stages is also preferable to conventional methods as it allows for more useful comparisons of life histories between species and habitats.