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Coevolution: Patterns of legume predation by a lycaenid butterfly
1Department of Botany, California Academy of Sciences, 94118, San Francisco, California, USA.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Butterfly larvae heavily prey on perennial legume flowers in Gunnison County, Colorado. This predation influences butterfly populations and the evolution and distribution of legume species.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Perennial legumes in Gunnison County, Colorado, face significant flower predation.
- Larvae of a specific lycaenid butterfly species are identified as the primary predators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of lycaenid butterfly larval predation on perennial legume species.
- To understand the role of this predation in regulating butterfly populations and legume evolution.
Main Methods:
- Field observations of flower predation rates on various legume species.
- Population assessments of lycaenid butterfly larvae.
- Analysis of legume species distribution in relation to predation intensity.
Main Results:
- Heavy, differential flower predation by lycaenid larvae was observed across perennial legume populations.
- Evidence suggests lycaenid butterfly populations may be limited by floral resources.
- Predation pressure appears to be a significant factor shaping legume species evolution and distribution.
Conclusions:
- Lycaenid butterfly larvae exert substantial selective pressure on perennial legumes in Gunnison County.
- The interaction between lycaenid butterflies and perennial legumes is a key driver of ecological and evolutionary dynamics in the region.
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