Mating butterflies - Melitaea trivia?

[MacroLuv]

They are very tolerant if busy.
I think I've posted this same couple before on dry flower and with more blurred background but can't find the link now.
Search didn't help.



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 02.08.2007 18:03:01
Shutter speed value 1/320 s
Aperture value f/8
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm




Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 02.08.2007 18:03:12
Shutter speed value 1/320 s
Aperture value f/8
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm




Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 02.08.2007 18:03:58
Shutter speed value 1/200 s
Aperture value f/10
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm

[rjlittlefield]

The one on the bottom has had a hard life -- over half its hind wing is missing!

--Rik

[Tony T]

The one on the bottom has had a hard life --Rik

It's a male - need I say more?

[rjlittlefield]

It's a male - need I say more?

I agree with what you say, but I'm curious to know what you're looking at. I see a small skinny worn critter mating with a large robust fresh one. Odds are, the small skinny worn one is the male. But I can't make out any anatomical details that would clinch the deal. Can you? Or do you know the markings of this group, or that they always hang male down? Or something else?

--Rik

[Tony T]

In the top picture I can see the tip of the male's abdomen clasping on the outside of the females; i.e. the female's tip entirely encircled by the male's.

[rjlittlefield]

OK, I'll take your word for that -- obviously I need to spend a lot more time watching hard-core butterfly sex-ed films!

--Rik

[MacroLuv]

Thanks guys.
Hey, I found the link! Here is the same couple.

[JoanYoung]

Excellent shots as usual Nikola.