Hooked

Eastern Tailed-Blues ~ Cupido comyntas

These two were in the mating process of sperm transference when I stumbled upon them hidden in a patch of clover and 1/4 inch yellow flowers.

I can't find the words to relay how fascinating it was to watch as the male pumped periodically, while the overflow of sperm pooled into a little sticky droplet that hung from the female's abdomen. View larger!

Since I've never seen the working mechanisms of both sexes, I am fairly blown away by it. My family's reaction was not as enthusiastic: Ewwwwww.

If you'd like to take a closer look at the hook and the droplet, please click on the link.