A returning orbit must have zero net change of the energy. To first order, integrate the perturbation along either unperturbed homoclinic loop:For the positive loop, ; the outward and inward halves contribute equally. ThereforeandThe integrals follow by substituting ; for the second one use . HenceThe equality in rescaled parameters is the leading Melnikov balance, not an assertion that the entire finite-parameter bifurcation curve is exactly straight. Reflection symmetry makes both saddle equilibrium loops occur together. The global curve lies below the nonzero-equilibrium Hopf line , as shown in the parameter sketch.
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