Courtship and Mating in Butterflies

This book presents a readable account of butterfly behaviour, based on field observations, great photographs and the latest research. The main focus is on courtship and mating - including perching, searching and territorial behaviour - but to understand these subjects it is necessary to explain how mates are chosen and this requires sections on wing colours and patterns. A chapter on butterfly vision is also essential in terms of how butterflies see the world and each other. There have been exciting discoveries in all of these fields in recent years, including: butterfly vision (butterfly photoreceptors), wing patterns (molecular biology), wing colouration (structural colours and nano-architecture), mating strategies and female choice (ecology and behaviour).

Prior to his retirement in 2012, Ray Cannon was Principal Scientific Officer at the Food & Environment Research Agency (Fera) in York, UK, providing advice and guidance on alien, invasive pests, to the UK government. He also carried out research on plant health issues, pest control, invasive pests, climate change, and the use of microbial insecticides. His education was at Imperial College (BSc) and Cranfield University (PhD). Ray's interests are writing, blogging, painting and photography.