Post by irisscientist on Jan 11, 2012 11:55:42 GMT -8
My own research and the polymorphic nature of many Apaturinae males would implicate (through Mullerian mimicry) that (the males at least) of some Apaturinae species should potentially be unpalatable (distasteful) to some predatory species. Further to this initial question, my follow up question in relation to this matter must be: Unpalatable to what?
There is NO available literature that I am aware of (please correct me if you know of any) which comments in enough detail on either of these questions to draw any conclusions. I consequently enquire if anybody has any first hand experience of the potential unpalatable nature (or evidence in support of the contrary) of wild (captive reared specimens are irrelevant) Apaturinae males? My own suspicions would suggest arachnid (as opposed to avian) unpalatability, but I would very much appreciate any (non captive reared) related input.
Advanced thanks is much appreciated for any help in relation to this matter.
Mark
There is NO available literature that I am aware of (please correct me if you know of any) which comments in enough detail on either of these questions to draw any conclusions. I consequently enquire if anybody has any first hand experience of the potential unpalatable nature (or evidence in support of the contrary) of wild (captive reared specimens are irrelevant) Apaturinae males? My own suspicions would suggest arachnid (as opposed to avian) unpalatability, but I would very much appreciate any (non captive reared) related input.
Advanced thanks is much appreciated for any help in relation to this matter.
Mark