Mud-puddling aggregation behaviour in Pieris napi (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae): does polyandry and large spermatophore mass transfer lead to increased investment in mud-puddling?

Abstract

Mud-puddling aggregations of Pieris napi have been recorded more frequently than of other butterfly species in the U.K. Attention is focused on the factors, such as spermatophore mass and polyandry, likely to induce mud-puddling in this species particularly. Distinctive spatial patterns in mud-puddling aggregation behaviour are highlighted as a potentially valuable topic for future research