The difficulty of deducing behavior from resource use: an example from hilltopping in checkerspot butterflies

Article Abstract:

A study of the hilltopping behavior of checkerspot butterflies (Euphydryas editha) was done to demonstrate that the resource preferences of individuals cannot be deduced from resource use pattern at the population level. Wrong assumptions in this regard gave rise to erroneous conclusions that hilltopping behavior was maladaptive for E. editha since mating success was lower on hilltops than on the slopes. It was argued that the previous study failed to show that hilltopping occurred, or if it did occur, it was individually variable. Furthermore, individual variation in hilltopping behavior should result in mating success.

Analysis, Behavior, Habitat selection

---

Experimental manipulation of wing pigment pattern and survival in western white butterflies

Article Abstract:

The level of wing melanization on the posterior half of the ventral hind wings (pVHW melanin) of western white butterflies was manipulated to determine whether wing pigment pattern influences survival. The experimental manipulation revealed that an increase in pVHW melanin levels reduced survival probabilities of the butterflies. Results showed that pVHW melanin help butterflies regulate body temperature during warm weather and are also used to avoid predators.

Melanin, Color of insects, Insect coloration

---

Rapidly evolving associations among oviposition preferences fail to constrain evolution of insect diet

Article Abstract:

The association among plant host preferences in four populations of the nymphalid butterfly Euphydryas editha is determined. Introduction to a novel host results in increased acceptance of the host. However, no discrimination is found within the ancestral host. Choices of plants for oviposition is found to be evolutionary labile and does not restrain the evolution of diet breadth in the insects.

Food and nutrition, Insects, Insect-plant relationships, Host plants

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Comment and reply. Modeling the behavior of the continental mantle lithosphere during plate convergence. Island-arc basalt alkali ratios: constraints from phengite-fluid partitioning experiments
• Abstracts: Kinematic evolution of the lower plate during intracontinental subduction: an example from the Scandinavian Caledonides
• Abstracts: Sedimentary basin destruction inferred from the evolution of drainage systems in the Betic Cordillera, southern Spain
• Abstracts: Reply. West-northwest directed obduction of the Baitain Group on the eastern Oman continental margin at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary
• Abstracts: The Saint-Daniel melange: evolution of an accretionary complex in the Dunnage terrane of the Quebec Appalachians

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.