Abstract
In allopatry and in a hybrid zone, we analyzed the relationship between morphometric characters and the inferior abdominal appendage angle in two damselflies, Ischnura gemina (Kennedy) and Ischnura denticollis (Burmeister), to assess the taxonomic reliability and genetic basis of this genitalic trait. Changes in the morphometric-genitalic relationship in the hybrid zone strongly imply that introgression has occurred, although there is some evidence of hybrid unfitness and partial reproductive isolation. We conclude that the inferior appendage trait is not taxonomically reliable because it fails to convey the recombinant nature of individuals in the hybrid zone. A combination of field and lab data suggest that the genitalic angle trait is polygenic but controlled by only a few genes. We argue for retention of full species status for both I. gemina and I. denticollis , despite genetic exchange between the two.
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