Evidence for mate guarding behavior in the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly

Victoria J. Bennett; Winston Smith; Matthew G. Betts

doi:10.1007/s10905-011-9289-1

Treesearch

Evidence for mate guarding behavior in the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Victoria J. Bennett, Winston Smith, Matthew G. Betts

Year:

2011

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-011-9289-1

Source:

Journal of Insect Behavior. 23(3): doi:10.1007/s10905-011-9289-1.

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Abstract

Discerning the intricacies of mating systems in butterflies can be difficult, particularly when multiple mating strategies are employed and are cryptic and not exclusive. We observed the behavior and habitat use of 113 male Taylor's checkerspot butterflies (Euphydryas editha taylori). We confirmed that two distinct mating strategies were exhibited; patrolling and perching. These strategies varied temporally in relation to the protandrous mating system employed. Among perching males, we recorded high site fidelity and aggressive defense of small (

Keywords

Euphydryas editha taylori, mating systems, pre-copulatory mate guarding, protandry, sexual selection

Citation

Bennett, Victoria J.; Smith, Winston P.; Betts, Matthew G. 2011. Evidence for mate guarding behavior in the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. Journal of Insect Behavior. 23(3): doi:10.1007/s10905-011-9289-1.