A viral ecology video features cockchafer beetles, also called May Bugs and Doodle Bugs. In 1834, a German school teacher observed two male cockchafers and described apparent amorous activity, with later scientists interpreting it as dominance by the larger beetle. In 1879, a Russian entomologist reported that the smaller male sometimes appeared on top. In 1896, a French entomologist proposed the behavior might reflect male preference rather than dominance or friendship, and included an illustration. The Victorian-era reaction linked natural same-sex attraction in animals to the possibility of natural same-sex attraction in humans. The behavior is framed as part of nature’s non-binary reality.
"Back in 1834, "a German school teacher noticed two male cockchafers" engaged in what appeared to be amorous activity. Scientists suggested it was a way for the larger beetle to exert dominance over another. However, in 1879, a Russian entomologist noticed that it wasn't always the larger beetle that appeared to be on top of the other. Sometimes it was the smaller male cockchafer."
"Then, in 1896, a French entomologist suggested it had nothing to do with dominance or friendship and that perhaps some male beetles preferred to fool around with other male beetles. The entomologist drew an illustration, which Butler says is "the first ever depiction of gay stuff in animals." The suggestion shocked the Victorian era."
"To suggest that same-sex attraction was natural in animals meant - gasp! -that it might also be natural in humans. "Let's be real. This type of behaviour has been found in thousands of species, but we shouldn't need these beetles to justify the existence of the LGBTQ plus community," says Butler. "We're all parts of nature, but nature doesn't follow binaries. It never has done.""
Read at Queerty
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