Larval feeding behavior and ant association in frosted elfin, Callophrys irus (Lycaenidae)
Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society
By: G. Albanese, M.W. Nelson, P.D. Vickery, and P.R. Sievert
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Abstract
Callophrys irus is a rare and declining lycaenid found in the eastern U.S., inhabiting xeric and open habitats maintained by disturbance. Populations are localized and monophagous. We document a previously undescribed larval feeding behavior in both field and lab reared larvae in which late instar larvae girdled the main stem of the host plant. Girdled stems provide a unique feeding sign that was useful in detecting the presence of larvae in the field. We also observed frequent association of field larvae with several species of ants and provide a list of ant species. We suggest two hypotheses on the potential benefits of stem-girdling to C. irus larvae: 1) Stem girdling provides phloem sap as a larval food source and increases the leaf nutrient concentration, increasing larval growth rates and providing high quality honeydew for attending ants; 2) Stem girdling reduces stem toxicity by inhibiting transport of toxins from roots to the stem.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Larval feeding behavior and ant association in frosted elfin, Callophrys irus (Lycaenidae) |
| Series title | Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society |
| Volume | 61 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society |
| First page | 61 |
| Last page | 66 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |