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Mature egg number influences the behavior of femaleBattus philenor butterflies

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Abstract

Although oviposition behavior of butterflies has been studied extensively, physiological parameters that may affect various aspects of female behavior have been overlooked almost completely. The number of mature eggs carried by a female Battus philenorgreatly affects her behavior at any particular time. Females with many eggs search significantly more for host plants than females with fewer eggs, which tend to rest more. Parameters affecting the number of mature eggs are also studied.

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  1. Zoology Department, Duke University, 27706, Durham, North Carolina

    Francois J. Odendaal

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  1. Francois J. Odendaal
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Odendaal, F.J. Mature egg number influences the behavior of femaleBattus philenor butterflies. J Insect Behav 2, 15–25 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01053615

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