ABSTRACT
Energy metabolism at rest and during pre-flight warm-up was measured in a variety of anisopterous dragonflies.
Resting oxygen consumption was similar in its relation to body temperature (Tb) and body mass to that of other insects. At 30 °C, log M = 0·91 log m + 0·44, where M is metabolism (W) and m is body mass (kg).
Metabolism during warm-up was calculated both from measurements of Tb and from oxygen consumption. By the former method, log M = 1·01 log m + 2·22 at the maximum Tb attained during warm-up, and log M= 0·90 log m+ 1·87 at Tb = 30 °C. Oxygen consumption measurements mostly gave values of M about 15% higher.
Total energy cost of warm-up is directly related to mass, thermal conductance and Tb at takeoff, and inversely related to warm-up rate.
