Mating Behavior

Busy background, but the image is a good representation of the Variegated Meadowhawk mating behavior.

Once mature, the male dragonfly establishes a territory from which he chases other males. When on territory, he produces packets of sperm called spermatophores at the tip of his abdomen (tenth segment), reaches the tip forward and places the spermatophores in a depression on the lower surface of the second abdominal segment.

With his sperm receptacle filled, the male flies out and grasps a female's head with his clasping genitalia at the abdominal tip. Each species' male genitalia fit the head of only the female of that species. In some dragonflies and damselflies, the shape of the male genitalia is the most constant and accurate identifier of the insect's species.

Dragonflies are unique in the insect world in their morphology and behaviors. Being predatory, they are important in keeping the numbers of pest insects in check. Their ability to dart here and there, check their flight in mid beat, and turn to capture insects is unparalleled in the animal kingdom.
Excerpts from (Insects/Spiders @ suite101) website.