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Photo#328215
Courtship, I presume - Poanes melane - male - female

Courtship, I presume - Poanes melane - Male Female
Alameda County, California, USA
September 2, 2009
Size: ~1/2 in. (13 mm) bl
These skippers alternated among three dances during part of this afternoon. Sometimes one (I think the female) perched on a plant and vibrated her wings while the other flew in small circles a few inches above her or perched near her (shown). They used various plants for this activity. Sometimes the two flew together, making loops around each other. Sometimes they simply perched close together (same leaf) for a moment. In between, they perched separately, as much as a few feet apart. I suppose these behaviors go with pair bonding. I didn't see them mate.

Images of this individual: tag all
Courtship, I presume - Poanes melane - male - female Sitting one out - Poanes melane

Moved
Moved from Skippers.

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