Enemies, more than sex, shape butterfly post-mating odor evolution
Liana O Greenberg, Qi Wang, Jonne Bonnet, Esther L. te Lindert Blommert, Jip van Buul, Tjomme Fernhout, Julia Friman, Niek Palmen, Alex Rozing, Esther van Tatenhove, Jonne Veldboom, Astrid T. Groot, Kees van Oers, M. Eric Schranz, Bas J. Zwaan, , Nina E. Fatouros
This study shows that post-mating odors in butterflies serve ecological roles like deterring predators and parasitoids, not just sexual selection.
bioRxiv · Jun 3, 2026 · PreprintEcology