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Food selection and utilization in a danid butterfly
1Department of Zoology, Madurai University P.G. Centre, Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts College, Palni, Tamilnadu, S. India.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Danaus chrysippus butterfly larvae preferred Calotropis gigantea over Asclepias curassavica, showing higher consumption and conversion efficiencies. This preference may be linked to C. gigantea
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Ecology
- Plant-Insect Interactions
Background:
- Danaus chrysippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is a globally distributed butterfly species.
- Milkweed species, such as Calotropis gigantea and Asclepias curassavica, are primary food sources for D. chrysippus larvae.
- Larval feeding preferences and nutritional utilization are critical for insect development and population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feeding preferences of Danaus chrysippus larvae between two milkweed species: Calotropis gigantea and Asclepias curassavica.
- To quantify and compare the consumption, conversion, and assimilation efficiencies of D. chrysippus larvae when fed on C. gigantea versus A. curassavica.
- To explore potential factors influencing larval feeding preferences, such as latex content and nutritional quality of the host plants.
Main Methods:
- Larval feeding trials were conducted over a 9-day period using D. chrysippus larvae.
- Larvae were reared on either C. gigantea or A. curassavica.
- Consumption, defecation, and conversion of plant matter were measured.
- Assimilation and conversion efficiencies were calculated for both sexes.
Main Results:
- D. chrysippus larvae successfully grew and pupated on both C. gigantea and A. curassavica.
- Larvae exhibited a significant preference for C. gigantea, particularly during later instars.
- Larvae consuming C. gigantea showed higher consumption (605 mg vs. 563 mg) and conversion (115 mg vs. 85 mg) compared to those on A. curassavica.
- Assimilation efficiency was similar between sexes and host plants (females: 46%, males: 50%), but conversion efficiency of assimilated food differed significantly.
Conclusions:
- Danaus chrysippus larvae demonstrate a clear feeding preference for Calotropis gigantea over Asclepias curassavica.
- The preference is likely influenced by differences in plant chemistry, such as higher latex content in C. gigantea, and/or nutritional quality.
- These findings highlight the importance of host plant selection in larval development and resource utilization within butterfly populations.
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