Postmating Female Odor in Heliconius Butterflies: A Male-Contributed Antiaphrodisiac?

• DOI: 10.1126/science.935877
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T15:51:28Z
• Authors: Lawrence E. Gilbert
• Keywords: Heliconius

Genetic crosses between races of Heliconius erato that differ in the odor female abdominal glands show originates male and is transferred to at mating. Behavioral observations strongly suggest an antiaphrodisiac helps enforce monogamy among females.