Butterflies Behaving Badly...

[Paul Cherubini]

M.B. Prondzinski wrote:

> What I've observed with all the varying
> species present in the constrictions of the tent, is the cross-species
> "interest" in the Queens!  

> I've found them in tussles with Monarchs on the ground, refusing sexual
> advances as best as they can...
> 
> Today, I observed for first time, the successful coupling of a worn male
> Monarch with an equally aged and shredded female Queen...odd since there
> were plenty of individuals of both species present to mate with (!)  

Yes, male monarchs are famous aerial takedowns and mating attempts 
with other species and also with other male monarchs.  In fact, in the
latter case monarch biologists call this behavior "homo courtship".

Biologists generally agree pheromones are not involved in monarch
male/female interactions. The males simply grab females out of the
air then forcibly attempt to copulate with them in a strenuous ground 
stuggle with the female always resisting.  Not exactly a story book
romance!

It was interesting to hear you saw Zebra Longwings also interested in 
Queens based on largely on sight alone (apparently) as the prevailing dogma
seems to be that mating in Heliconids is all based on pheromones.

Paul Cherubini

 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl