Neptis hesione podarces Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is a rare nymphalid butterfly in Taiwan. Bionomics and immature morphology of this rare species are given in detail in the present article. Its larvae are monophagous, consuming leaves of a climbing fig Ficus sarmantosa (Moraceae). Seven instars are required to complete larval development. We found that younger larvae of N. h. podarces make frass chains, a behavior that has not been found in other Neptis species. Here we test the antipredator function of this larval behavior and provide details on nest building.
How to translate text using browser tools
26 February 2016
Immature Biology of Neptis hesione podarces (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Taiwan, With Discussion on Its Frass Chain Function
Chia-Lung Huang,
Yu-Feng Hsu
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
Ficus sarmantosa
frass chain
host plant
MORACEAE