Male butterflies display a diversity of mate-location tactics. This article describes the observed in encounter-site locations and behavior males at encounter sites attempts to reveal evolutionary patterns this by assessing ecological correlates various For species that pupate on larval food plant feed relatively large plants, focus their mate-locating efforts plant. Otherwise, use non-resource-based such as hilltops or landmarks environment. The are examined with respect site tenacity, time...

Structural colors result from an interaction between light and the fine-scale physical structure of a surface, are often extremely bright, chromatic, iridescent. Given that these visual features depend upon aggregate abundance architectural precision photonic structures, structurally colored sexual ornaments seem well placed to indicate range mate quality characteristics. We tested this hypothesis by investigating signaling potential structural coloration in sexually dimorphic butterfly...

Animal colouration is typically the product of nanostructures that reflect or scatter light and pigments absorb it. The interplay between these colour-producing mechanisms may influence efficacy potential information content colour signals, but this notion has received little empirical attention. Wing scales in male orange sulphur butterfly ( Colias eurytheme ) possess ridges with lamellae produce a brilliant iridescent ultraviolet (UV) reflectance via thin-film interference. Curiously, same...

Color ornaments are often viewed as products of countervailing sexual and natural selection, because more colorful, attractive individuals may also be conspicuous to predators. However, while evidence for such selection exists vertebrate color (e.g., Trinidadian guppies), similar studies have yet reported in invertebrates. Indeed, female mate choice based on extant variation male coloration is limited invertebrates, researchers not explicitly asked whether males Here we provide that...

Summary Structural coloration is a striking component of sexual ornamentation, and may function as signal mate quality. Although the proximate optical mechanisms are often well defined, we know much less about morphological basis for intraspecific variation in structural colour. Males butterfly Colias eurytheme L. possess thin‐film interference array on their dorsal wing scales that generates bright iridescent ultraviolet (UV) signal. This used choice. Using scanning electron microscopy,...

The mating systems and courtship behavior patterns of butterflies are examined from the perspective sexual selection theory.Particular attention is devoted to effects resource female distributions on male mate-acquisition techniques occurrence consequences mate choice by males females.

Our understanding of the evolution and adaptive features animal mating behavior has dramatically improved in recent years as our process sexual selection its consequences have been refined. Darwin (1871) first proposed evolutionary that gave rise to bizarre seemingly maladaptive traits such tail peacock brilliant colors male butterflies. He reasoned negative effects these on survivorship were outweighed by their positive reproductive success during courtship with females competition other...

Iridescent colours have been fascinating to humans throughout history; they are flashy, shimmering, dynamic, and examples surround us, from the commonly seen iridescent sheen of oily street puddles exotic, gaudy displays birds-of-paradise featured in nature documentaries. structures that produce them unique properties comparison with other types colourants found nature. Scientists a variety disciplines study optics, development, heritability, chemical make-up, origin, evolution, functions...

Females in the Colias eurytheme C. philodice species complex may sometimes approach and chase patrolling males. Chases that were elicited by presenting tethered males to free-flying females generally lasted less than 4 sec their duration was not related any of several measures female reproductive condition. However, probability mated approached directly degree depletion contents spermatophores received previous matings. These observations suggest are doing so solicit male courtship attempts...

Summary 1. Iridescent colour signals are directional but, like diffusely reflected colours, vary within and among species in ways that may be adaptations to specific types of receivers light environments. 2. The hindwings pipevine swallowtail butterflies exhibit brilliant blue iridescent patches on the ventral surface both sexes dorsal wing males. Evidence suggests is a component warning coloration this distasteful species, while area sexual signal. Given differences function ecological...

Understanding dispersal is of prime importance in conservation and population biology. Individual traits related to motion navigation during may differ: (1) among species differing habitat distribution, which turn, lead interspecific differences the potential for costs dispersal, (2) populations a that experiences different levels fragmentation; (3) individuals their strategy (4) between sexes due sexual behaviour tendencies. In butterflies, visual system plays central role but exactly how...

Abstract Differences in behaviour, such as the mate‐locating tactic, may favour evolution of interspecific and intersexual differences structure visual system. This notion was tested by examining relationships between eye size, body sex tactic 16 species butterflies. The were grouped eight phylogenetically close pairs that differed displayed males. Eye size characterized surface area, which estimated from a set linear measurements made on 10 individuals each species. major findings area...

Many of nature's most striking animal colours are iridescent, exhibiting a high degree spectral purity and strong angular dependence intensity hue. Although growing number studies have detailed the intricate mechanisms responsible for producing iridescent colours, few attempts been made to describe their dynamic appearance in ecologically behaviourally realistic contexts. We suggest that optical properties unique structural important understanding how they function as signals during...

Abstract and Summary Available information suggests that male alfalfa butterflies ( Colias eurytheme ) make a nutrient investment during copulation. Sexual selection theory predicts females, to maximize the material they receive, should preferentially mate with large, young, persistent males. In addition, males, return on their investment, are predicted large females. To test these predictions, observations were made interactions between lab‐reared virgin females males flying in field. About...