Hilltopping (biology)

Hilltopping (also spelt hill-topping) is a mate-location behaviour seen in many insects including butterflies, dragonflies, bumblebees,[1] wasps,[2] beetles[3] and flies.

[4] Males of many butterfly species may be found flying up to and staying on a hilltop - for days on end if necessary.

In some Acraea butterflies, widespread infection by Wolbachia results in a rarity of males and in these species the females widely engage in hilltopping behaviour.

[7] Studies have shown that even slight elevation differences on flat terrain can trigger hilltopping behaviour.

[9] The concentrating effect of hilltopping on butterfly populations makes such locations of special conservation significance.