Effects of sodium puddling on male mating success, courtship and flight in a swallowtail butterfly

摘要: In many Lepidoptera species usually only males puddle for sodium. Two explanations have been offered this: (1) neuromuscular activity: need increased sodium flight because they are more active flyers than females; and (2) direct benefits: is a type of benefit provided by to females via ejaculate during mating. Surprisingly, there little experimental evidence either these. this study, we examined both using the pipevine swallowtail butterfly, Battus philenor L. If increases activity, consuming should be better fliers without collect nuptial gifts that their mates, may greater mating success case, then an honest cue/signal quality male-provided benefits can assess before affects male courtship increasing how courts could serve as such premating quality. Therefore, in terms obtaining mates activity. study found consumed courted vigorously had water. addition, displays were significantly different from those water, providing possible assess. Interestingly, did not find consumption outside courtship. That aspects related affected sodium, while general not, consistent with idea effects on