We studied behavioural traits and behavioural correlations in larvae of a univoltine damselfly, Lestes sponsa, along its latitudinal distribution, spreading over 3300 km. We compared behavioural profiles among larvae grown either in native temperatures and photoperiods or averaged constant temperatures and photoperiods. We expected latitudinal differences in behavioural traits regardless of the conditions in which larvae were grown, with northern populations expressing higher activity, boldness and foraging efficiency.

When grown in native conditions, northern larvae were bolder more active and more effective in prey capture than central and low latitude populations, respectively, as well as showed the strongest behavioural syndromes. In contrast, larvae reared in constant common-garden conditions showed no differences between regions in both individual traits and syndromes.