Sexual-selection-model
Guides
Euoniticellus intermedius
Northern Sandy Dung Beetle
Euoniticellus intermedius is an African dung beetle intentionally introduced to multiple continents for dung burial and livestock pest control. Males possess a distinctive horn absent in females, making it a model organism for sexual selection studies. The species exhibits remarkable tolerance to diverse environments and stressors, though it is sensitive to global change factors including warming and pollution. Larvae feed exclusively on cow dung fiber while adults consume juices from fresh dung.
Utetheisa ornatrix
Ornate Bella Moth, Bella Moth, Rattlebox Moth, Ornate Moth
Utetheisa ornatrix is a diurnal moth distinguished by its aposematic coloration ranging from pink, red, orange, and yellow to white with black markings. The species has a wingspan of 33–46 mm and is found from the southeastern United States through Central America to South America. Larvae specialize on Crotalaria species (Fabaceae), sequestering toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that render them unpalatable to predators. The species exhibits complex mating behavior including female polyandry, nuptial gift transfer, and pheromone-mediated mate choice.