Male mate-locating behavior in the common eggfly, Hypolimnas bolina (Nymphalidae)

As studied in N Queensland, males defended perching sites used in mate location from 0900-1600 h on clear sunny days. Some popular sites contained the larval foodplant Sida rhombifolia; individual males defended such sites in many cases for several days or more. The form and outcome of interactions between site occupants and intruding males suggested that residents typically win. Observations on site defense by resident males whose color has been altered suggest that color is not important in maintenance of residence status. Male color pattern may be more important in intersexual than intrasexual interactions. -from Author