Adult behaviour of Orachrysops niobe (Trimen)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
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Published source details
Edge D.A. (2008) Adult behaviour of Orachrysops niobe (Trimen)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Metamorphosis, 116.
Published source details Edge D.A. (2008) Adult behaviour of Orachrysops niobe (Trimen)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Metamorphosis, 116.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Rear declining species in captivity Action Link |
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Rear declining species in captivity
A study (years not given) in a captive setting in the Western Cape, South Africa (Edge et al 2008) reported that wild-collected Brenton blue butterfly Orachrysops niobe eggs hatched and caterpillars kept with only Phyllanthus incurvatus leaves died before completing the first instar of development but all caterpillars also given Indigofera erecta leaves developed normally through to the fourth instar. Caterpillars in captivity were seen feeding on the leaves of Indigofera erecta but not Phyllanthus incurvatus. No data on number of eggs collected or number of caterpillars in each treatment are provided. Cuttings were taken from Phyllanthus incurvatus plants in the wild where Brenton blue butterflies had laid eggs, and the cutting and eggs were placed in air-tight plastic containers. Some containers were left with only their original Phyllanthus incurvatus cutting, whereas an Indigofera erecta cutting was placed in others once the eggs had hatched. Feeding behaviour and survival to the fourth instar was recorded.
(Summarised by: Eleanor Bladon)
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