Back to Update

Nuptial Flight
Dr. Bill Calvert describes the mating process:

"A male patrols the canopy and grasps the wings of a female, using the claws on his feet as he encounters her. The pair parachutes down to the ground. If he manages to attach to her (about 10% of the time), she folds her wings and he then flies off with her, if he can, to a safe perch where mating is completed. This is called the nuptial flight. The pair will stay coupled for many hours, including overnight."


Monarch Butterflies Mating in Mexico Before Departure

Estela Romero