Limited behavioural specialization for a dead‑leaf masquerade in <i>Kallima inachus chinensis</i>: evidence from perching site selection and posture

<p dir="ltr">This study conducted four observational studies over three years on <i>Kallima inachus chinensis</i> at Mount Emei, China, involving summer reproductive butterflies in a net-covered grove, overwintering individuals, a controlled choice experiment in an octagonal net-house, and wild butterflies in natural habitats. From 992 perching and resting records, we documented substrate use, duration, posture, wing status, head retraction, antennal exposure, leg positions, and nearby dead leaves.

Butterflies used a wide range of substrates differing in colour, geometry and exposure, but showed no preference for dead leaves or for sites with nearby dead leaves.</p>