Egg Laying Preference, Larval Survival, and Maturation of Zebra Longwing, Heliconius charithonia, on Native and Exotic Passiflora Species in South Florida
Abstract
In this study, three species of passion vine: bluecrown (Passiflora caerulea, exotic), corky (Passiflora suberosa, native), and maypop (Passiflora incarnata, native) were used as host plants to determine egg laying preference, larval survival, and maturation of zebra longwing (Heliconius charithonia), Florida’s state butterfly. The plants were left outdoors for several days to allow butterflies to lay eggs. The plants were then placed inside netted enclosures. The number of eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises, and adult butterflies were counted and recorded. After three trials, a total of 56 (bluecrown), 63 (corky), and 14 (maypop) eggs were laid, and of those, 14%, 33%, and 34% hatched into caterpillars, respectively. However, only corky had caterpillars survive to the chrysalis stage (100%) and of those an average of 95% emerged as adult butterflies (24 total). Butterflies had a mean forewing length of 46.3 ± 2.8 mm and sex determination revealed 42% were females and 58% were males. There were no significant differences in forewing length between the sexes (p ≥ 0.05). Increased knowledge of butterfly survival on different host plant species can benefit butterfly gardens, landscaping companies, or people looking to promote butterfly growth in their own backyards. Our results clearly indicate corky passionvines should be planted if the goal is a butterfly garden or enhancement of zebra longwings. Previous research conducted here at NSU also demonstrated corky was preferred, however in contrast to our results, butterflies had successfully been grown on maypop as well, providing support for selecting native host plants to enhance butterfly populations.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Paul Arena
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
Egg Laying Preference, Larval Survival, and Maturation of Zebra Longwing, Heliconius charithonia, on Native and Exotic Passiflora Species in South Florida
Alvin Sherman Library
In this study, three species of passion vine: bluecrown (Passiflora caerulea, exotic), corky (Passiflora suberosa, native), and maypop (Passiflora incarnata, native) were used as host plants to determine egg laying preference, larval survival, and maturation of zebra longwing (Heliconius charithonia), Florida’s state butterfly. The plants were left outdoors for several days to allow butterflies to lay eggs. The plants were then placed inside netted enclosures. The number of eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises, and adult butterflies were counted and recorded. After three trials, a total of 56 (bluecrown), 63 (corky), and 14 (maypop) eggs were laid, and of those, 14%, 33%, and 34% hatched into caterpillars, respectively. However, only corky had caterpillars survive to the chrysalis stage (100%) and of those an average of 95% emerged as adult butterflies (24 total). Butterflies had a mean forewing length of 46.3 ± 2.8 mm and sex determination revealed 42% were females and 58% were males. There were no significant differences in forewing length between the sexes (p ≥ 0.05). Increased knowledge of butterfly survival on different host plant species can benefit butterfly gardens, landscaping companies, or people looking to promote butterfly growth in their own backyards. Our results clearly indicate corky passionvines should be planted if the goal is a butterfly garden or enhancement of zebra longwings. Previous research conducted here at NSU also demonstrated corky was preferred, however in contrast to our results, butterflies had successfully been grown on maypop as well, providing support for selecting native host plants to enhance butterfly populations.
