94 
Psyche 
[March 
On the basis of its morphology, B. notoperates (along with the 
similar B. brevicaudus Byers) has been adjudged the least primitive 
of all known species of Bore, us (Cooper 1972). Interestingly, its 
mating stands apart from that described for the other three studied 
species: at its onset (the enduring resistance by the female), at its 
midpoint (submission by the female only after antennal “abuse”), 
and at its very end (a female perpendicular position derived without 
change from a similar pose). In that last attribute, it differs from all 
seven other species of Boreus for which the position has been re- 
corded and, notably, that position is alike in all seven. The long 
period of female coyness and the need for manipulation of the fe- 
male’s antennae go hand in hand, but I cannot decide whether these 
are primitive aspects or not. But the female perpendicular position is 
almost certainly a specialization, the marked change from pose to 
position that occurs in other species of Boreus most likely being primi- 
tive. I suspect that the presumed loss of change is related to the 
unusually shortened ovipositor of B. notoperates and the relative 
depth to which the gonapophyses are inserted into the male; if that 
is so, B. brevicaudus may be expected to have a female perpendicular 
position, and possibly also the remote B. chadzhi-gireji Plikinsky 
as well. 
Because most Boreus follow closely similar mating patterns, as do 
B. brumalis and B. nivoriundus , with poses and final positions that 
are alike, the question quite naturally arises as to whether cross- 
matings occur or are even attempted. My own trials on this score 
were with smallish B. nivoriundus males and B. brmnalis females, 
two species quite frequently found within common areas in New 
Hampshire. They showed no mutual interest whatsoever. This was 
not to be attributed to lack of potential competence or sexual aggres- 
siveness on the part of the males for, when female B. nivoriundus 
were added, the males soon paired, or attempted to do so, with the 
females of their own species. Perhaps the scent or secretion claimed 
for female Boreus (Hardy 1848, Withycomb 1922, Marechal 1939) 
has a role as a species specific mating pheromone. 
The Anatomical Correlations in Mating 
The female vertical position is widespread among insects, yet not 
common. It has been recorded for Orthoptera (where it, or its 
equivalent, the “false male vertical position” of Richards, is the usual 
mode), Plecoptera, Mallophaga, Anoplura, Mecoptera, Siphonaptera, 
