Observation date: April 23, 2022
Date notes: The entered time is my first observation time for a mated viceroy pair; they continued to mate until 03:31pm, after which each perched nearby for several minutes more.
Submitted by: jamesvonloh
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: On a very windy day (W-to-E straight line and gusts in the 40-50mph range), viceroys used coyote willow along the Rio Grande as both a windbreak and habitat for various behaviors including perching, nutrient uptake, territory disputes, courting, and mating. The behavior in this series of images is mating by a pair, ~3m high on coyote willow stem, occurring over more than one-hour timeframe, and was completed after which both remained nearby perching. Midway in the behavior, a third viceroy visited the pair a few times. The afternoon was warm, under full sun/partial shade from willow leaves, and on the lee-side of gusting wind.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: May 05, 2022
Coordinator notes: saving these, too. Admirable perseverance by the butterflies and their documentarian in the face of harsh conditions.
