Behavioural thermoregulation at mate encounter sites by male butterflies (Asterocampa leilia, Nymphalidae)

Analysis of the influence of thermal environment on the behavior of male butterflies of Asterocampa leilia that wait for the females at meeting sites reveals that alterations in insolation and perch height preferences and wing position have adaptive thermal consequences that may restrain their ability to detect females. Orientation to sun, wing position, perch insolation and perch height change with an increase in temperature. Air temperature does not influence body temperature of males, but alters perch preferences and body posture.