Lekking-behavior
Guides
Clusiodes
Clusiodes is a genus of flies in the family Clusiidae, containing at least 60–70 described species. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized flies associated with forest habitats. The genus was established by Coquillett in 1904.
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis
Western Paper Wasp, Yellow-legged Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis is a social paper wasp native to western North America, distinguished by its relatively docile defensive behavior compared to other vespids. Colonies are initiated in spring by foundress queens and persist until autumn, with nests typically containing fewer than 300 cells. The species exhibits flexible nesting habits, utilizing both natural cavities in riparian forests and anthropogenic structures such as building eaves. Unlike many social wasps, M. flavitarsis rarely stings, instead employing ramming behavior against perceived threats. Males engage in elaborate lekking and territorial scent-marking behaviors near female hibernation sites in autumn.
Oeneis chryxus
Chryxus Arctic, brown Arctic
Oeneis chryxus is a subalpine and alpine butterfly species distributed across northern and western North America. The species exhibits a distinctive semivoltine life cycle, with larvae developing over two years and adults emerging in biennial flight patterns. Populations show striking geographic variation in wing coloration, ranging from cream to orange-brown, which functions as camouflage against rocky substrates. The Ivallda Arctic subspecies (O. c. ivallda) occupies the highest elevation butterfly habitat in North America at over 4,400 meters on Mount Whitney.