Paternal allocation of sequestered plant pyrrolizidine alkaloid to eggs in the danaine butterfly,Danaus gilippus

Abstract

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid sequestered by adult maleDanaus gilippus from plants is transferred in large measure to the female at mating, and by the female to the eggs. The eggs, presumably, are protected as a result. The male's courtship pheromone, danaidone, derived from the sequestered alkaloid, may function to advertise the male's alkaloid-donating capacity.