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Project Noah Nature School
Hylephila phyleus
I was watching this pair, I assume performing a mating ritual, The one in front was holding her rear high and the one behind was almost checking her out like dogs do. There was a clear circular yellow ring at the rear of the one in front which I assume is genital area. I would love some confirmation and further explanation from any butterfly experts out there!
Wetlands on grassy path
Spotted on Feb 7, 2015
Submitted on Feb 10, 2015
1 Comment
That certainly does look like mating behavior. The darker of the two butterflies is indeed the female and the male is brighter colored. If you want to know way more about butterfly mating than you are possibly interested in, here's a good paper (that is not behind a pay wall) http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ias/...