Mating strategies used by male Macoun’s arctic butterflies (Oeneis macounii) in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

Oeneis macounii, a satyrine butterfly found almost exclusively in Canada, ranges from British Columbia to western Quebec. There has been little published on the life history of this species, but preliminary observations suggest that hilltop leks are used by males in some populations as a mate acquisition tactic, whereas sandy flat clearings in other populations are defended to gain access to females. The small, isolated population at Riding Mountain National Park was studied intensively in the summer of 2011. Mark-recapture and GPS data for adults provided data on individual movements, population size, habitat characteristics, and longevity. Male mating strategy was determined, as well as the importance of male age, weight, and size in holding territories and in achieving mating success.