JIF has supported research by Mark Youles into the successful mating of iridescent members of the Apaturinae:
The Apaturinae are a relatively small subfamily of butterflies housed under the large phylogenic umbrella of the Nymphalidae. Consistent with an ever increasing number of worldwide butterfly species, many members of the Apaturinae are currently under severe conservational threat as a direct result of habitat loss. Unlike many butterfly species however, in spite of continual breeding attempts by many of the most experienced butterfly breeders (dating as far back as the mid 1800’s), no breeders have as yet managed to achieve natural, captive copulation of many Apaturinae species. The males of most Apaturinae species are highly sexually dimorphic, commonly expressing striking, iridescent blue/purple coloration which is absent in the females. Unlike the females of these species, almost all Apaturinae males are also strongly attracted to decomposing animal carcasses and faecal matter (predominantly carnivore feaces). It is proposed that these (as well some other) male specific traits, help to comprise a repertoire of elements which are ultimately essential to the natural copulation of these butterfly species.
Through exploring the visual and olfactory signals that are present in these butterflies, my research aims to dissect and identify the components which are fundamental to their successful mating. Once identified, it is hoped/intended that many of these signals can be further extrapolated (and applied) to also benefit the conservation strategies other closely related butterfly species.