Life history of the butterfly Phoebis argante (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), an inhabitant of the dry forest of western Andes

Abstract

This study describes the immature stages, host plant, and interactions with parasitoid wasps of the butterfly Phoebis argante, a very widely distributed species, commonly found in the dry forest ecotone of the western Andes in Azuay province, Ecuador. The development time from oviposition to adult averaged 48 days. The host plant is identified as Inga edulis Mart. (Fabaceae), a leguminous tree widely distributed in the Neotropics which has various cultural uses. Given its cultural significance, adaptive capacity, role in soil erosion prevention, and ecological importance as a habitat for pollinating insects, I. edulis could be a promising candidate for revegetation projects in gardens and green areas in Ecuador. Sexual dimorphism in pupal color patterns was observed: female pupae displayed a heterogeneous color pattern with black spots, while male pupae were uniformly yellowish-green. This sexual dimorphism in pupal coloration may be an adaptive mechanism for camouflage during this vulnerable developmental stage or could be related to adult wing phenotype. Additionally, koinobiont endoparasitoid wasps, from the subfamily Microgastrinae (Braconidae), were obtained from first and second instar larvae.

Keywords

• braconidae
• ecuador
• inga
• koinobiont endoparasitoids
• yunguilla