Courtship behavior
- Pronunciation
- /court-ship buh-hay-vyer/
- Category
- Behavior
Definition
A complex series of behaviors performed by male insects (and sometimes females) to attract and gain access to potential mates.
Etymology
From the Old French 'courte', meaning 'court or attraction', and 'ship', symbolizing a state or condition.
Example
The male blue morpho butterfly engages in elaborate wing displays and chases to attract females.
Synonyms
- Mating dance
- Courtship ritual
Related Terms
- Attraction
- Mating
- Sexual selection
Usage Notes
Courtship behaviors can be highly diverse across insect species and often involve visual, auditory, tactile, and chemical signals.