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1969
Journal of the Lepidopterists Society
271
SOME ADDITIONAL NOTES ON MATING BEHAVIOR IN BUTTERFLIES
Clifford D. Ferris University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
A recent paper (Miller and Clench, 1968) discusses mating behavior in butterflies. The present note provides some additional information concerning three species.
Peeridae Pieris protodice (Boisduval and LeConte). On the morning of August 24, 1968, this species was observed to be swarming along state road 338 south of Animas in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. The density of adults was estimated at from 6 to 12 per square yard. Males predominated in about a 10-1 ratio to females. The area of maximum density extended for nearly a mile along the roadside. This writer's attention was attracted to a cluster of adults flying about a single wild mustard plant. Upon closer observation, a newly emerged female, wings not yet fully developed, was seen hanging from a stem, coupled with a rather battered male. Mating must have taken place just following emergence. The pair was observed for about fifteen minutes. During this period, a steady stream of males attempted to couple with the female. The already coupled male remained completely passive in a head down position during this time. Time did not permit observation of the cessation of mating. During the period of observation, no flight or motion of the pair ensued other than the extension of the wings of the female to full size. The pair was first observed at approximately 9:00 A.M. (MDT). Other coupled pairs were observed in flight. The males seemed definitely to> initiate mating while the females remained passive, resting in plants. Chrysalids were observed attached to white mustard plants (Draba species), while sweet clover (Melilotus alba) was abundant nearby.
Nymphalidae Speyeria nokomis nitocris (Edwards). During the past three summers (1966-68), the writer has had occasion to observe and collect this species in Arizona (Gila Co. and Apache Co.) and New Mexico (Catron Co.). Only a few matings have been noted as in the areas cited, the males seem to predominate over the females by a high ratio. In the cases observed, the males initiated the coupling. The usual pattern in these areas seems to be the following: In the forenoon, the males "patrol" close to the ground without feeding, apparently searching for females. Males have
272 Ferris: Mating behavior of butterflies Vol. 23, no. 4
been observed as the dew dries, usually about 8:30 A.M. (MST). Just after flight begins, some feeding upon red thistles has been recorded, but this is of short duration. Females first appear about one-and-one-half to two hours later. They have a way of "insinuating" themselves. They suddenly appear on the ground where seconds before there was nothing, Apparently they come from two locations. In all of the locations mentioned, nokomis habitat is a mountain meadow centered about a small stream with relatively steep surrounding hillsides. The hillside cover is predominately ponderosa pine, blue and Englemann spruce. In some cases, the females flutter out from the tree cover to rest in the grass or clover near the stream, where they are found by the males on patrol. In other cases, the females appear from the center of the low shrubbery (mainly willow) which borders the stream and alight in the nearby grass to be discovered by the males. In the courtship flight the partners circle about one another, rising to the treetops, usually with additional males attempting to interfere. The instant of coupling has not been observed. Coupled pairs have been detected resting in the grass. In all cases, copu-latory flights and coupled pairs have been observed between 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (MST).
Papilionidae Papilio bairdi bairdi (Edwards). This species has been observed on several occasions in Cochise County, Arizona, and was found to be quite common near Portal on August 21, 1968. During the morning hours, males and females were seen flying and feeding but no attempt at mating was noted. This species appears to be very wary in the morning hours and is rather difficult to capture at that time. By late afternoon (3:00 to 6:00 P.M.), feeding and flight was quite leisurely. Several courtship flights were observed with the male chasing the female in level flight. One coupled pair was seen and captured at approximately 4:30 P.M. (MST). The female was flying rather rapidly while the male remained completely passive. The pair had been resting in the brush until disturbed by the writer. It was found that both males and females were easily taken feeding on desert sunflower (Helianthus species) in the late afternoon.
Literature Cited
Miller, L. D. & H. K. Clench, 1968. Some Aspects of Mating Behavior in Butterflies. J. Lepid. Soc., 22: 125-132.