Behavioural Thermoregulation by High Arctic Butterflies

Abstract

Reports summer 1967-68 observations and experimental temperature measurements made at Hazen and Gilman Camps, northern Ellesmere Island, on Colias helca, Boloria chariclea and B. polaris, Lycaena feildeni and Plebius aquilo. In order to utilize direct isolation to increase their body temperatures, they selected basking substrates and precisely oriented their wings with respect to the sun. High arctic butterflies are most often found in a warm, relatively windless, sheltered places where on sunny days they fly in the warmest air close to the ground. Their wing morphology, venation, color, hairiness and physiology are briefly discussed.