How do you tell the difference between a male and female butterfly?

Answer 1

Answer

Butterflies differ from male to female in many ways. Sometimes this difference is vast and other times it is barely noticeable. With some species there is only a slight variation of patterns on the wings, such as missing a spot on the lower wing or having thicker defining lines. With other species the male and female are so different they are often mistaken for different species, with one being a vibrant colour and the other being dull, brown and grey. Some females mimic other species while the males look very different in comparison. The shape of the wing can also differ. Males have straight edged wings, whereas females sweep in a curved shape. The size also differs but it depends on the species as to whether the male or the female is bigger.

It depends on the species of butterfly the differences in species may be subtle - males generally have more angular wings, longer thinner bodies, brighter colours, and stronger patterns than females of the same species. There are usually obvious differences in behaviour as well - males tend to actively patrol their habitats, or to establish a small territory which they defend against other butterflies. Females by comparison are far more sedentary, and in the early part of their flight period tend to stay in areas where both adult and larval food sources are present.In many species there are obvious visual differences. The Polyommatinae ( Blues ) for example usually have blue males and brown females. Only the male orange tip has the orange wing tips. The males of Hairstreaks, Satyrines, large Fritillaries and Skippers often have androconia ( scent scales ) in the form of dark patches or streaks on the upperside forewings. The male Large Skipper has a diagonal band of androconia on his forewings and the male Silver-washed Fritillary has four bands of androconia on his forewings.To tell if a monarch butterfly is a male or female, you need to look for a special spot. The special spot is called an alar spot. If the butterfly is male, it will have an alar spot on a vain on each hind wing.

Answer 2

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