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Many butterfly populations respond negatively to land-use intensification in human-dominated landscapes. Networks of protected sites have been established with the aim to halt species loss. We undertook annual surveys of all occurrence sites of 22 uncommon butterfly species in eastern Denmark during the period 2014–2019 and compared to a systematic atlas survey done 1989–1993, in order to assess trends in regional occupancy of species. Three out of 22 species went regionally extinct between 1993 and 2015. One species sustained a single population through the study period. Logistic regression for the remaining 18 species showed 10 to be in strong decline from 1993 to 2015, two showed a declining trend and six had stable trends. For all species except one, the declining trend continued 2015–2019. For five species, a sustained strong decline was evident. In 1993, the total count of occurrence sites for all 22 butterfly species was 565, which by 2019 had declined to 158 sites (a 72 % loss over 26 years). From 2015 to 2019 alone, the total count of occurrence sites shrank from 200 to 158 (a 21 % decline over just four years). Legal protection of areas (Natura 2000 and Danish Nature Protection Act §3) was, unexpectedly, not associated with lower probability of local extinction for butterfly population. The observed sustained decline across species suggests an overall low efficiency of the network of protected sites, probably due to a combination of misguided management regimes and payment of extinction debts from the past.

Many butterfly populations respond negatively to land-use intensification in human-dominated landscapes. Networks of protected sites have been established with the aim to halt species loss. We undertook annual surveys of all occurrence sites of 22 uncommon butterfly species in eastern Denmark during the period 2014–2019 and compared to a systematic atlas survey done 1989–1993, in order to assess trends in regional occupancy of species. Three out of 22 species went regionally extinct between 1993 and 2015. One species sustained a single population through the study period. Logistic regression for the remaining 18 species showed 10 to be in strong decline from 1993 to 2015, two showed a declining trend and six had stable trends. For all species except one, the declining trend continued 2015–2019. For five species, a sustained strong decline was evident. In 1993, the total count of occurrence sites for all 22 butterfly species was 565, which by 2019 had declined to 158 sites (a 72 % loss over 26 years). From 2015 to 2019 alone, the total count of occurrence sites shrank from 200 to 158 (a 21 % decline over just four years). Legal protection of areas (Natura 2000 and Danish Nature Protection Act §3) was, unexpectedly, not associated with lower probability of local extinction for butterfly population. The observed sustained decline across species suggests an overall low efficiency of the network of protected sites, probably due to a combination of misguided management regimes and payment of extinction debts from the past.

The larvae of insect herbivores feed on plants that may vary nutritionally (qualitatively and/or quantitatively) over the course of insect development. Plant quality may change in response to interactions with the biotic environment that in turn may affect development and biomass of the insects feeding on these plants. However, the larvae of many gregariously feeding herbivores feed on comparatively small plants with limited biomass and may also experience variation in the quantity of plant food available. Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a gregarious butterfly species laying clutches of 10–150 eggs that are often laid on small brassicaceous food plants, including the plant used in this study, Brassica nigra L. (Brassicaceae). A single B. nigra plant provides insufficient resources for the development of an entire brood of P. brassicae. In this study, we investigated the effect of both plant quality and quantity on the performance of P. brassicae when feeding on B. nigra plants. When we compared the effects of changes in plant quality induced by (1) aphid infestation, (2) exposure to pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, and (3) inbreeding depression, which are all biotic stresses known to change plant quality, pupal mass and larval development time of P. brassicae were fairly similar. We then examined the effects of quantitative food constraints during immature development on pupal mass, which correlated strongly with adult size, longevity, and fecundity. Female pupal mass, longevity and fecundity were negatively correlated with the duration of starvation during larval development. No significant effect of male starvation was found on female reproduction and longevity. Thus, P. brassicae larvae were more affected by quantitative than by qualitative constraints in terms of pupal mass, which strongly correlated with female reproduction.

The larvae of insect herbivores feed on plants that may vary nutritionally (qualitatively and/or quantitatively) over the course of insect development. Plant quality may change in response to interactions with the biotic environment that in turn may affect development and biomass of the insects feeding on these plants. However, the larvae of many gregariously feeding herbivores feed on comparatively small plants with limited biomass and may also experience variation in the quantity of plant food available. Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a gregarious butterfly species laying clutches of 10–150 eggs that are often laid on small brassicaceous food plants, including the plant used in this study, Brassica nigra L. (Brassicaceae). A single B. nigra plant provides insufficient resources for the development of an entire brood of P. brassicae. In this study, we investigated the effect of both plant quality and quantity on the performance of P. brassicae when feeding on B. nigra plants. When we compared the effects of changes in plant quality induced by (1) aphid infestation, (2) exposure to pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, and (3) inbreeding depression, which are all biotic stresses known to change plant quality, pupal mass and larval development time of P. brassicae were fairly similar. We then examined the effects of quantitative food constraints during immature development on pupal mass, which correlated strongly with adult size, longevity, and fecundity. Female pupal mass, longevity and fecundity were negatively correlated with the duration of starvation during larval development. No significant effect of male starvation was found on female reproduction and longevity. Thus, P. brassicae larvae were more affected by quantitative than by qualitative constraints in terms of pupal mass, which strongly correlated with female reproduction.

The larvae of insect herbivores feed on plants that may vary nutritionally (qualitatively and/or quantitatively) over the course of insect development. Plant quality may change in response to interactions with the biotic environment that in turn may affect development and biomass of the insects feeding on these plants. However, the larvae of many gregariously feeding herbivores feed on comparatively small plants with limited biomass and may also experience variation in the quantity of plant food available. Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a gregarious butterfly species laying clutches of 10–150 eggs that are often laid on small brassicaceous food plants, including the plant used in this study, Brassica nigra L. (Brassicaceae). A single B. nigra plant provides insufficient resources for the development of an entire brood of P. brassicae. In this study, we investigated the effect of both plant quality and quantity on the performance of P. brassicae when feeding on B. nigra plants. When we compared the effects of changes in plant quality induced by (1) aphid infestation, (2) exposure to pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, and (3) inbreeding depression, which are all biotic stresses known to change plant quality, pupal mass and larval development time of P. brassicae were fairly similar. We then examined the effects of quantitative food constraints during immature development on pupal mass, which correlated strongly with adult size, longevity, and fecundity. Female pupal mass, longevity and fecundity were negatively correlated with the duration of starvation during larval development. No significant effect of male starvation was found on female reproduction and longevity. Thus, P. brassicae larvae were more affected by quantitative than by qualitative constraints in terms of pupal mass, which strongly correlated with female reproduction.

Background Cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.) can be severe pests of Brassica crops such as Chinese cabbage, Pak choi (Brassica rapa) or cabbages (B. oleracea). Eggs of Pieris spp. can induce a hypersensitive response-like (HR-like) cell death which reduces egg survival in the wild black mustard (B. nigra). Unravelling the genetic basis of this egg-killing trait in Brassica crops could improve crop resistance to herbivory, reducing major crop losses and pesticides use. Here we investigated the genetic architecture of a HR-like cell death induced by P. brassicae eggs in B. rapa. Results A germplasm screening of 56 B. rapa accessions, representing the genetic and geographical diversity of a B. rapa core collection, showed phenotypic variation for cell death. An image-based phenotyping protocol was developed to accurately measure size of HR-like cell death and was then used to identify two accessions that consistently showed weak (R-o-18) or strong cell death response (L58). Screening of 160 RILs derived from these two accessions resulted in three novel QTLs for Pieris brassicae-induced cell death on chromosomes A02 (Pbc1), A03 (Pbc2), and A06 (Pbc3). The three QTLs Pbc1–3 contain cell surface receptors, intracellular receptors and other genes involved in plant immunity processes, such as ROS accumulation and cell death formation. Synteny analysis with A. thaliana suggested that Pbc1 and Pbc2 are novel QTLs associated with this trait, while Pbc3 also contains an ortholog of LecRK-I.1, a gene of A. thaliana previously associated with cell death induced by a P. brassicae egg extract. Conclusions This study provides the first genomic regions associated with the Pieris egg-induced HR-like cell death in a Brassica crop species. It is a step closer towards unravelling the genetic basis of an egg-killing crop resistance trait, paving the way for breeders to further fine-map and validate candidate genes., Background Cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.) can be severe pests of Brassica crops such as Chinese cabbage, Pak choi (Brassica rapa) or cabbages (B. oleracea). Eggs of Pieris spp. can induce a hypersensitive response-like (HR-like) cell death which reduces egg survival in the wild black mustard (B. nigra). Unravelling the genetic basis of this egg-killing trait in Brassica crops could improve crop resistance to herbivory, reducing major crop losses and pesticides use. Here we investigated the genetic architecture of a HR-like cell death induced by P. brassicae eggs in B. rapa. Results A germplasm screening of 56 B. rapa accessions, representing the genetic and geographical diversity of a B. rapa core collection, showed phenotypic variation for cell death. An image-based phenotyping protocol was developed to accurately measure size of HR-like cell death and was then used to identify two accessions that consistently showed weak (R-o-18) or strong cell death response (L58). Screening of 160 RILs derived from these two accessions resulted in three novel QTLs for Pieris brassicae-induced cell death on chromosomes A02 (Pbc1), A03 (Pbc2), and A06 (Pbc3). The three QTLs Pbc1–3 contain cell surface receptors, intracellular receptors and other genes involved in plant immunity processes, such as ROS accumulation and cell death formation. Synteny analysis with A. thaliana suggested that Pbc1 and Pbc2 are novel QTLs associated with this trait, while Pbc3 also contains an ortholog of LecRK-I.1, a gene of A. thaliana previously associated with cell death induced by a P. brassicae egg extract. Conclusions This study provides the first genomic regions associated with the Pieris egg-induced HR-like cell death in a Brassica crop species. It is a step closer towards unravelling the genetic basis of an egg-killing crop resistance trait, paving the way for breeders to further fine-map and validate candidate genes.

Background: Cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.) can be severe pests of Brassica crops such as Chinese cabbage, Pak choi (Brassica rapa) or cabbages (B. oleracea). Eggs of Pieris spp. can induce a hypersensitive response-like (HR-like) cell death which reduces egg survival in the wild black mustard (B. nigra). Unravelling the genetic basis of this egg-killing trait in Brassica crops could improve crop resistance to herbivory, reducing major crop losses and pesticides use. Here we investigated the genetic architecture of a HR-like cell death induced by P. brassicae eggs in B. rapa. Results: A germplasm screening of 56 B. rapa accessions, representing the genetic and geographical diversity of a B. rapa core collection, showed phenotypic variation for cell death. An image-based phenotyping protocol was developed to accurately measure size of HR-like cell death and was then used to identify two accessions that consistently showed weak (R-o-18) or strong cell death response (L58). Screening of 160 RILs derived from these two accessions resulted in three novel QTLs for Pieris brassicae-induced cell death on chromosomes A02 (Pbc1), A03 (Pbc2), and A06 (Pbc3). The three QTLs Pbc1–3 contain cell surface receptors, intracellular receptors and other genes involved in plant immunity processes, such as ROS accumulation and cell death formation. Synteny analysis with A. thaliana suggested that Pbc1 and Pbc2 are novel QTLs associated with this trait, while Pbc3 also contains an ortholog of LecRK-I.1, a gene of A. thaliana previously associated with cell death induced by a P. brassicae egg extract. Conclusions: This study provides the first genomic regions associated with the Pieris egg-induced HR-like cell death in a Brassica crop species. It is a step closer towards unravelling the genetic basis of an egg-killing crop resistance trait, paving the way for breeders to further fine-map and validate candidate genes.

Background: Cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.) can be severe pests of Brassica crops such as Chinese cabbage, Pak choi (Brassica rapa) or cabbages (B. oleracea). Eggs of Pieris spp. can induce a hypersensitive response-like (HR-like) cell death which reduces egg survival in the wild black mustard (B. nigra). Unravelling the genetic basis of this egg-killing trait in Brassica crops could improve crop resistance to herbivory, reducing major crop losses and pesticides use. Here we investigated the genetic architecture of a HR-like cell death induced by P. brassicae eggs in B. rapa. Results: A germplasm screening of B. rapa 56 accessions, representing the genetic and geographical diversity of a B. rapa core collection, showed phenotypic variation for cell death. An image-based phenotyping protocol was developed to accurately measure size of HR-like cell death and was then used to identify two accessions that consistently showed weak (R-o-18) or strong cell death response (L58). Screening of 160 RILs derived from these two accessions resulted in three novel QTLs for Pieris brassicae-induced cell death on chromosomes A02 (Pbc1), A03 (Pbc2), and A06 (Pbc3). The three QTLs Pbc1-3 contain cell surface receptors, intracellular receptors and other genes involved in plant immunity processes, such as ROS accumulation and cell death formation. Synteny analysis with A. thaliana suggested that Pbc1 and Pbc2 are novel QTLs associated with this trait, while Pbc3 contains also LecRK-I.1, a gene of A. thaliana previously associated with cell death induced by a P. brassicae egg extract. Conclusions: This study provides the first genomic regions associated with the Pieris egg-induced HR-like cell death in a Brassica crop species. It is a step closer towards unravelling the genetic basis of an egg-killing crop resistance trait, paving the way for breeders to further fine-map and validate candidate genes.

Heterozygotes for major chromosomal rearrangements such as fusions and fissions are expected to display a high level of sterility due to problems during meiosis. However, some species, especially plants and animals with holocentric chromosomes, are known to tolerate chromosomal heterozygosity even for multiple rearrangements. Here, we studied male meiotic chromosome behavior in four hybrid generations (F1-F4) between two chromosomal races of the Wood White butterfly Leptidea sinapis differentiated by at least 24 chromosomal fusions/fissions. Previous work showed that these hybrids were fertile, although their fertility was reduced as compared to crosses within chromosomal races. We demonstrate that (i) F1 hybrids are highly heterozygous with nearly all chromosomes participating in the formation of trivalents at the first meiotic division, and (ii) that from F1 to F4 the number of trivalents decreases and the number of bivalents increases. We argue that the observed process of chromosome sorting would, if continued, result in a new homozygous chromosomal race, i.e., in a new karyotype with intermediate chromosome number and, possibly, in a new incipient homoploid hybrid species. We also discuss the segregational model of karyotype evolution and the chromosomal model of homoploid hybrid speciation.

Heterozygotes for major chromosomal rearrangements such as fusions and fissions are expected to display a high level of sterility due to problems during meiosis. However, some species, especially plants and animals with holocentric chromosomes, are known to tolerate chromosomal heterozygosity even for multiple rearrangements. Here, we studied male meiotic chromosome behavior in four hybrid generations (F1–F4) between two chromosomal races of the Wood White butterfly Leptidea sinapis differentiated by at least 24 chromosomal fusions/fissions. Previous work showed that these hybrids were fertile, although their fertility was reduced as compared to crosses within chromosomal races. We demonstrate that (i) F1 hybrids are highly heterozygous with nearly all chromosomes participating in the formation of trivalents at the first meiotic division, and (ii) that from F1 to F4 the number of trivalents decreases and the number of bivalents increases. We argue that the observed process of chromosome sorting would, if continued, result in a new homozygous chromosomal race, i.e., in a new karyotype with intermediate chromosome number and, possibly, in a new incipient homoploid hybrid species. We also discuss the segregational model of karyotype evolution and the chromosomal model of homoploid hybrid speciation.

In this document we extend the geographical distribution for three common species of diurnal butterflies from the Colombian Caribbean region (Aides dysoni, Calpodes ethlius, and Anteos clorinde). The specimens were captured with an insect net in samplings conducted in the Arjona jurisdiction (BolivarDeparment) in 2015, between 8:00 and 16:00 hours. For each of them we provide important morphological charactersfor their recognition, and complement their distribution in the Neotropic, En este documento se registran tres especies comunes de mariposas diurnas de la región Caribe colombiana (Aides dysoni, Calpodes ethliusy Anteos clorinde). Los especímenes fueron capturados con red entomológica en muestreos realizados en el municipio de Arjona (departamento de Bolívar) en el año de 2015 entre las 8:00 y 16:00 horas. Paracadauna de ellas se proporcionan caracteres morfológicos útiles para su reconocimiento y se complementa su distribución en el Neotrópico.

The populations of Pieris ergane (Geyer, 1828) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the Cantabrian Mountains (province of León) are the westernmost of its entire distribution. The status of these populations is reviewed and their known distribution is extended in 8 squares 10x10 km (47%). Likewise, its phenology and larval foodplants are studied, Aethionema thomasianum is mentioned for the first time as host plant for the Iberian Peninsula and Aethionema saxatile is established as the main host plant of the species in the study area. Data from all the preimaginal stages, predators, competing species are given, and a new parasitoid for the species is also reported, Hyposoter ebeninus (Gravenhorst, 1829) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)., Las poblaciones de Pieris ergane (Geyer, 1828) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) en la Cordillera Cantábrica (provincia de León) son las más occidentales de toda su distribución. Se revisa el estado de estas poblaciones y se amplía su distribución conocida en 8 cuadrículas 10x10 km (un 47%). Así mismo, se estudia su fenología y sus plantas nutricias, se cita Aethionema thomasianum por primera vez como nutricia para la Península Ibérica y se establece Aethionema saxatile como nutricia principal de la especie en la zona de estudio. Se aportan datos de todos los estadios preimaginales, depredadores, especies competidoras y se cita un nuevo parasitoide para la especie, Hyposoter ebeninus (Gravenhorst, 1829) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae).

The preference–performance hypothesis (PPH) states that herbivorous female insects prefer to oviposit on those host plants that are best for their offspring. Yet, past attempts to show the adaptiveness of host selection decisions by herbivores often failed. Here, we tested the PPH by including often neglected oviposition-induced plant responses, and how they may affect both egg survival and larval weight. We used seven Brassicaceae species of which most are common hosts of two cabbage white butterfly species, the solitary Pieris rapae and gregarious P. brassicae. Brassicaceous species can respond to Pieris eggs with leaf necrosis, which can lower egg survival. Moreover, plant-mediated responses to eggs can affect larval performance. We show a positive correlation between P. brassicae preference and performance only when including the egg phase: 7-day-old caterpillars gained higher weight on those plant species which had received most eggs. Pieris eggs frequently induced necrosis in the tested plant species. Survival of clustered P. brassicae eggs was unaffected by the necrosis in most tested species and no relationship between P. brassicae egg survival and oviposition preference was found. Pieris rapae preferred to oviposit on plant species most frequently expressing necrosis although egg survival was lower on those plants. In contrast to the lower egg survival on plants expressing necrosis, larval biomass on these plants was higher than on plants without a necrosis. We conclude that egg survival is not a crucial factor for oviposition choices but rather egg-mediated responses affecting larval performance explained the preference–performance relationship of the two butterfly species.

1. Often, closely related insect species feed on different host plant species, and the tremendous diversity of phytophagous insects is therefore attributed to host plant-driven speciation. However, for most taxa, host use information comes from field observations of egg-laying females or feeding caterpillars, which means that the underlying reason for a particular host-affiliation is not easily determined. 2. Therefore, it is often unclear whether an insect feeds on a certain host because it prefers that plant to alternative hosts, or because the host distribution overlaps with the habitat requirements of the insect. 3. We ask to what extent a divergent host use in the field mirrors the host plant preferences of two closely related butterflies, Pieris napi and Pieris rapae (Pieridae). In nature, P. napi typically occurs in moister habitats than P. rapae. 4. We scanned several microhabitats at a field site in Southern Sweden during multiple years, and collected Pieris eggs from three different plants, Cardamine pratensis (wet meadows), Barbarea vulgaris (drier micro-habitats) and Alliaria petiolata (intermediate areas). 5. As predicted, P. rapae eggs were more common than P. napi eggs on B. vulgaris, whereas all of the 358 individuals collected from C. pratensis were P. napi, indicating a divergence in host use between the Pieris species. However, under controlled laboratory conditions, both species had virtually identical oviposition preferences, laying eggs on all three plants, notably P. rapae also laying eggs on C. pratensis, indicating that habitat use, not plant preference, drives host plant use in nature.

In natural populations of insect herbivores, genetic differentiation is likely to occur due to variation in host plant utilization and selection by the local community of organisms with which they interact. In parasitoids, engaging in intimate associations with their host during immature development, local variation may exist in host quality for parasitoid development. We compared the development of a gregarious endoparasitoid, Cotesia glomerata L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), collected in The Netherlands, in three strains and three caterpillar instars (L1?L3) of its main host, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Hosts had been collected in The Netherlands and France, and were reared in the laboratory for one generation. We also used an established Dutch laboratory strain that had not been exposed to parasitoids for at least 24 generations. Parasitoid survival to adulthood was inversely correlated with host instar at parasitism. Adult parasitoid body mass was largest when hosts were parasitized as L1 and smallest when hosts were parasitized as L3, whereas egg-to-adult development time was quickest on L3 hosts and slowest on L1 hosts. Higher survival and faster development of C. glomerata on French L2 hosts also showed that there is variation in host-instar-related suitability. Many L2 and most L3 caterpillars that were parasitized exhibited signs of pathogen infection and perished within a few days of parasitism, whereas this never happened when hosts were parasitized as L1 or in non-parasitized control caterpillars. Our results reveal that, irrespective of the host strain, L1 hosts are optimally synchronized with C. glomerata development. By contrast, the high precocious mortality of L3 larvae may be due to stress-induced regulation by the parasitoid in order to ?force? its developmental program into synchrony with the developing parasitoid larvae. Our results underscore a potentially important role played by pathogens in mediating herbivore?parasit

In natural populations of insect herbivores, genetic differentiation is likely to occur due to variation in host plant utilization and selection by the local community of organisms with which they interact. In parasitoids, engaging in intimate associations with their host during immature development, local variation may exist in host quality for parasitoid development. We compared the development of a gregarious endoparasitoid, Cotesia glomerata L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), collected in The Netherlands, in three strains and three caterpillar instars (L1?L3) of its main host, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Hosts had been collected in The Netherlands and France, and were reared in the laboratory for one generation. We also used an established Dutch laboratory strain that had not been exposed to parasitoids for at least 24 generations. Parasitoid survival to adulthood was inversely correlated with host instar at parasitism. Adult parasitoid body mass was largest when hosts were parasitized as L1 and smallest when hosts were parasitized as L3, whereas egg-to-adult development time was quickest on L3 hosts and slowest on L1 hosts. Higher survival and faster development of C. glomerata on French L2 hosts also showed that there is variation in host-instar-related suitability. Many L2 and most L3 caterpillars that were parasitized exhibited signs of pathogen infection and perished within a few days of parasitism, whereas this never happened when hosts were parasitized as L1 or in non-parasitized control caterpillars. Our results reveal that, irrespective of the host strain, L1 hosts are optimally synchronized with C. glomerata development. By contrast, the high precocious mortality of L3 larvae may be due to stress-induced regulation by the parasitoid in order to ?force? its developmental program into synchrony with the developing parasitoid larvae. Our results underscore a potentially important role played by pathogens in mediating herbivore?parasit

Euchloe charlonia (Donzel, 1842) (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) is a pierid present in the eastern islands of the Canary archipelago (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Graciosa). In December 2018 several adults were seen in a sandy area of eastern Gran Canaria (locality of Tufia), being the first report of this species for this island. The occurrence of several individuals in a small area of mobile dunes may indicate a recent colonization., Euchloe charlonia (Donzel, 1842) (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) es un piérido presente en las islas orientales del archipiélago canario (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura y La Graciosa). En diciembre de 2018 se observan varios individuos adultos en un arenal del este de Gran Canaria (localidad de Tufia), considerándose la primera cita de dicha especie para esta isla. La presencia de varios ejemplares en una reducida área de dunas móviles puede ser indicio de una reciente colonización.

In natural populations of insect herbivores, genetic differentiation is likely to occur due to variation in host plant utilization and selection by the local community of organisms with which they interact. In parasitoids, engaging in intimate associations with their host during immature development, local variation may exist in host quality for parasitoid development. We compared the development of a gregarious endoparasitoid, Cotesia glomerata L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), collected in The Netherlands, in three strains and three caterpillar instars (L1–L3) of its main host, Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Hosts had been collected in The Netherlands and France, and were reared in the laboratory for one generation. We also used an established Dutch laboratory strain that had not been exposed to parasitoids for at least 24 generations. Parasitoid survival to adulthood was inversely correlated with host instar at parasitism. Adult parasitoid body mass was largest when hosts were parasitized as L1 and smallest when hosts were parasitized as L3, whereas egg-to-adult development time was quickest on L3 hosts and slowest on L1 hosts. Higher survival and faster development of C. glomerata on French L2 hosts also showed that there is variation in host-instar-related suitability. Many L2 and most L3 caterpillars that were parasitized exhibited signs of pathogen infection and perished within a few days of parasitism, whereas this never happened when hosts were parasitized as L1 or in non-parasitized control caterpillars. Our results reveal that, irrespective of the host strain, L1 hosts are optimally synchronized with C. glomerata development. By contrast, the high precocious mortality of L3 larvae may be due to stress-induced regulation by the parasitoid in order to ‘force’ its developmental program into synchrony with the developing parasitoid larvae. Our results underscore a potentially important role played by pathogens in mediating herbivore–parasitoid inter

In temperate insects, winters are typically endured by entering diapause, which comprises a deep resting stage. Correct timing of diapause termination is vital for synchronization of emergence with conspecifics and for mobilizing resources when conditions for growth and reproduction become favourable. Although critical to survival, the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of diapause termination timing are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate diapause development under a range of durations (10-24weeks) spent at different temperatures (-2 to 10 degrees C) in the pupal diapausing butterfly Pieris napi Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We determine: (i) the maximum cold temperature for diapause development; (ii) if pupae in diapause count cold days or cold sums; and (iii) whether diapause termination is distinct or gradual. The results indicate large and idiosyncratic effects of high and low nonlethal temperatures on diapause development in P. napi. Although all temperatures tested lead to diapause termination, a thermal optimum between 2 and 4 degrees C is observed. Lower temperatures lead to decreased eclosion propensity, whereas higher temperatures slow down development and increase emergence desynchronization. These data suggest that, rather than a simple cold-summing process with a distinct diapause termination point, there are trade-offs between time and temperature at the low and high end of the thermal range, resulting in a nonlinear thermal landscape showing a ridge of increasing eclosion propensity at moderate temperatures. The present study suggests that the effects of temperature on diapause development should be included in projections on post-winter phenology models of insects, including pest species.

In temperate insects, winters are typically endured by entering diapause, which comprises a deep resting stage. Correct timing of diapause termination is vital for synchronization of emergence with conspecifics and for mobilizing resources when conditions for growth and reproduction become favourable. Although critical to survival, the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of diapause termination timing are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate diapause development under a range of durations (10-24weeks) spent at different temperatures (-2 to 10 degrees C) in the pupal diapausing butterfly Pieris napi Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We determine: (i) the maximum cold temperature for diapause development; (ii) if pupae in diapause count cold days or cold sums; and (iii) whether diapause termination is distinct or gradual. The results indicate large and idiosyncratic effects of high and low nonlethal temperatures on diapause development in P. napi. Although all temperatures tested lead to diapause termination, a thermal optimum between 2 and 4 degrees C is observed. Lower temperatures lead to decreased eclosion propensity, whereas higher temperatures slow down development and increase emergence desynchronization. These data suggest that, rather than a simple cold-summing process with a distinct diapause termination point, there are trade-offs between time and temperature at the low and high end of the thermal range, resulting in a nonlinear thermal landscape showing a ridge of increasing eclosion propensity at moderate temperatures. The present study suggests that the effects of temperature on diapause development should be included in projections on post-winter phenology models of insects, including pest species.

In temperate insects, winters are typically endured by entering diapause, which comprises a deep resting stage. Correct timing of diapause termination is vital for synchronization of emergence with conspecifics and for mobilizing resources when conditions for growth and reproduction become favourable. Although critical to survival, the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of diapause termination timing are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate diapause development under a range of durations (10-24weeks) spent at different temperatures (-2 to 10 degrees C) in the pupal diapausing butterfly Pieris napi Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We determine: (i) the maximum cold temperature for diapause development; (ii) if pupae in diapause count cold days or cold sums; and (iii) whether diapause termination is distinct or gradual. The results indicate large and idiosyncratic effects of high and low nonlethal temperatures on diapause development in P. napi. Although all temperatures tested lead to diapause termination, a thermal optimum between 2 and 4 degrees C is observed. Lower temperatures lead to decreased eclosion propensity, whereas higher temperatures slow down development and increase emergence desynchronization. These data suggest that, rather than a simple cold-summing process with a distinct diapause termination point, there are trade-offs between time and temperature at the low and high end of the thermal range, resulting in a nonlinear thermal landscape showing a ridge of increasing eclosion propensity at moderate temperatures. The present study suggests that the effects of temperature on diapause development should be included in projections on post-winter phenology models of insects, including pest species.

In temperate insects, winters are typically endured by entering diapause, which comprises a deep resting stage. Correct timing of diapause termination is vital for synchronization of emergence with conspecifics and for mobilizing resources when conditions for growth and reproduction become favourable. Although critical to survival, the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of diapause termination timing are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate diapause development under a range of durations (10-24weeks) spent at different temperatures (-2 to 10 degrees C) in the pupal diapausing butterfly Pieris napi Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We determine: (i) the maximum cold temperature for diapause development; (ii) if pupae in diapause count cold days or cold sums; and (iii) whether diapause termination is distinct or gradual. The results indicate large and idiosyncratic effects of high and low nonlethal temperatures on diapause development in P. napi. Although all temperatures tested lead to diapause termination, a thermal optimum between 2 and 4 degrees C is observed. Lower temperatures lead to decreased eclosion propensity, whereas higher temperatures slow down development and increase emergence desynchronization. These data suggest that, rather than a simple cold-summing process with a distinct diapause termination point, there are trade-offs between time and temperature at the low and high end of the thermal range, resulting in a nonlinear thermal landscape showing a ridge of increasing eclosion propensity at moderate temperatures. The present study suggests that the effects of temperature on diapause development should be included in projections on post-winter phenology models of insects, including pest species.

In temperate insects, winters are typically endured by entering diapause, which comprises a deep resting stage. Correct timing of diapause termination is vital for synchronization of emergence with conspecifics and for mobilizing resources when conditions for growth and reproduction become favourable. Although critical to survival, the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of diapause termination timing are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate diapause development under a range of durations (10-24weeks) spent at different temperatures (-2 to 10 degrees C) in the pupal diapausing butterfly Pieris napi Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We determine: (i) the maximum cold temperature for diapause development; (ii) if pupae in diapause count cold days or cold sums; and (iii) whether diapause termination is distinct or gradual. The results indicate large and idiosyncratic effects of high and low nonlethal temperatures on diapause development in P. napi. Although all temperatures tested lead to diapause termination, a thermal optimum between 2 and 4 degrees C is observed. Lower temperatures lead to decreased eclosion propensity, whereas higher temperatures slow down development and increase emergence desynchronization. These data suggest that, rather than a simple cold-summing process with a distinct diapause termination point, there are trade-offs between time and temperature at the low and high end of the thermal range, resulting in a nonlinear thermal landscape showing a ridge of increasing eclosion propensity at moderate temperatures. The present study suggests that the effects of temperature on diapause development should be included in projections on post-winter phenology models of insects, including pest species.

In temperate insects, winters are typically endured by entering diapause, which comprises a deep resting stage. Correct timing of diapause termination is vital for synchronization of emergence with conspecifics and for mobilizing resources when conditions for growth and reproduction become favourable. Although critical to survival, the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of diapause termination timing are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate diapause development under a range of durations (10-24weeks) spent at different temperatures (-2 to 10 degrees C) in the pupal diapausing butterfly Pieris napi Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We determine: (i) the maximum cold temperature for diapause development; (ii) if pupae in diapause count cold days or cold sums; and (iii) whether diapause termination is distinct or gradual. The results indicate large and idiosyncratic effects of high and low nonlethal temperatures on diapause development in P. napi. Although all temperatures tested lead to diapause termination, a thermal optimum between 2 and 4 degrees C is observed. Lower temperatures lead to decreased eclosion propensity, whereas higher temperatures slow down development and increase emergence desynchronization. These data suggest that, rather than a simple cold-summing process with a distinct diapause termination point, there are trade-offs between time and temperature at the low and high end of the thermal range, resulting in a nonlinear thermal landscape showing a ridge of increasing eclosion propensity at moderate temperatures. The present study suggests that the effects of temperature on diapause development should be included in projections on post-winter phenology models of insects, including pest species.

An updated and annotated list of the Rhopalocera families Papilionidae and Pieridae (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) known to occur in O Courel (Lugo, Galicia, Spain, NW Iberian Peninsula) is made, compiling the existing bibliographical records and adding new ones as a result of the fieldwork undertaken by the author since the year 1989 to present. With the new data, the Papilionidae catalogue of O Courel is increased in two species: Papilio machaon Linnaeus, 1758 and Zerynthia rumina (Linnaeus, 1758); and in one that of Pieridae: Gonepteryx cleopatra (Linnaeus, 1767). An additional note concerning to the catalogues of Hesperiidae and Lycaenidae from O Courel is also included., Se elabora un listado comentado y puesto al día de las familias de ropalóceros Papilionidae y Pieridae (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) presentes en O Courel (Lugo, Galicia, España, N.O. Península Ibérica), recopilando los datos bibliográficos existentes, a los que se añaden otros nuevos como resultado del trabajo de campo del autor llevado a cabo desde el año 1989 a la actualidad. Con los nuevos datos se incrementa el catálogo de Papilionidae de O Courel en dos especies: Papilio machaon Linnaeus, 1758 y Zerynthia rumina (Linnaeus, 1758); y en una el de Pieridae: Gonepteryx cleopatra (Linnaeus, 1767). Incluimos también una nota adicional concerniente a los catálogos de Hesperiidae y Lycaenidae de O Courel.

In this study the first records of Leptidea reali Reissinger, 1990 (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in Castilla y León (Spain), namely in the province of Segovia, are reported. Information on the species distribution, habitat and conservation status in this region is provided., Se presentan los primeros registros de Leptidea reali Reissinger, 1990 (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) en Castilla y León (España), concretamente en la provincia de Segovia. Se aporta información sobre la distribución, hábitat y conservación de la especie en dicha región.

Previous studies have shown a dynamic karyotype evolution and the presence of complex sex chromosome systems in three cryptic Leptidea species from the Western Palearctic. To further explore the chromosomal particularities of Leptidea butterflies, we examined the karyotype of an Eastern Palearctic species, Leptidea amurensis. We found a high number of chromosomes that differed between the sexes and slightly varied in females (i.e. 2n = 118–119 in females and 2n = 122 in males). The analysis of female meiotic chromosomes revealed multiple sex chromosomes with three W and six Z chromosomes. The curious sex chromosome constitution [i.e. W1–3/Z1–6 (females) and Z1–6/Z1–6 (males)] and the observed heterozygotes for a chromosomal fusion are together responsible for the sex-specific and intraspecific variability in chromosome numbers. However, in contrast to the Western Palearctic Leptidea species, the single chromosomal fusion and static distribution of cytogenetic markers (18S rDNA and H3 histone genes) suggest that the karyotype of L. amurensis is stable. The data obtained for four Leptidea species suggest that the multiple sex chromosome system, although different among species, is a common feature of the genus Leptidea. Furthermore, inter- and intraspecific variations in chromosome numbers and the complex meiotic pairing of these multiple sex chromosomes indicate the role of chromosomal fissions, fusions, and translocations in the karyotype evolution of Leptidea butterflies.

Coevolutionary interactions are thought to have spurred the evolution of key innovations and driven the diversification of much of life on Earth. However, the genetic and evolutionary basis of the innovations that facilitate such interactions remains poorly understood. This research examines the coevolutionary interactions between plants (Brassicales) and butterflies (Pieridae), and uncovered evidence for an escalating evolutionary arms-race. Although gradual changes in trait complexity appear to have been facilitated by allelic turnover, key innovations are associated with gene and genome duplications. Furthermore, it shows that the origins of both chemical defenses and of molecular counter adaptations were associated with shifts in diversification rates during the arms-race. These findings provide an important connection between the origins of biodiversity, coevolution, and the role of gene and genome duplications as a substrate for novel traits.

It is hereby reported for the first time the identity of a new larval host plant for the alpine pierid Pontia callidice (Hübner, [1800])., Se da a conocer la identidad de una nueva planta nutricia larvaria para el piérido alpino Pontia callidice (Hübner, [1800]).

Both the length of the season that is favourable for insect growth and reproduction and the number of generations emerging per season (voltinism) increase with decreasing latitude. Thus, time constraints on reproduction and juvenile development decrease with decreasing latitude, except where voltinism changes and time constraints suddenly increase as the season must be shared with one more generation. I studied the evolution of insect life histories in relation to time constraints from two perspectives: polymorphism and clinal variation. Life history polymorphism in seasonal environments was studied with the butterfly Pieris napi that has discrete life history strategies, and polymorphic natural populations. Experimental studies showed that asymmetric intraspecific larval competition and divergent timing of reproduction between the strategies may promote the maintenance of polymorphism. A simulation model showed that the divergent timing of reproduction between the strategies is sufficient to maintain polymorphism even in the absence of intraspecific competition. Clinal variation was studied empirically with four geometrid moths (Cabera exanthemata, Cabera pusaria, Chiasmia clathrata and Lomaspilis marginata) and generally in theory. Due to latitudinal saw-tooth variation in time constraints, traditional theory predicts a saw-tooth cline in body size and development time. A common garden experiment with the four geometrid moths did not support the traditional theory even when a saw-tooth cline in body size was found, suggesting that the theory is based on unrealistic assumptions. A theoretical analysis showed that reproductive effort should be high in populations under intense time constraints and low in populations experiencing no time constraints, resulting in a saw-tooth cline. In the four geometrid moths, support for these predictions was found, although the observed clinal variation deviated from the predicted pattern. The results imply that clinal var, Tiivistelmä Hyönteisten kasvu ja kehitys ovat pääsääntöisesti mahdollisia vain kesän aikana. Etelään päin mentäessä kesä pitenee, ja saman kesän aikana kehittyvien hyönteissukupolvien määrä kasvaa. Kesän pituus aiheuttaa lisääntymiseen ja toukkien kasvuun kohdistuvan aikarajoitteen, joka heikkenee etelään päin siirryttäessä. Aikarajoite kuitenkin tiukkenee siellä, missä yksi uusi sukupolvi ehtii juuri kehittymään saman kesän aikana, sillä kesä on nyt jaettava useamman sukupolven kesken. Väitöstyössä tarkastelin hyönteisten elinkierto-ominaisuuksien evoluutiota suhteessa aikarajoitteisiin sekä diskreetin että jatkuvan muuntelun näkökulmista. Diskreettiä muuntelua tutkin lanttuperhosella (Pieris napi), jolla esiintyy diskreettejä elinkiertostrategioita. Kokeellisesti osoitin, että toukkien välinen kilpailu on epäsymmetristä, mikä yhdessä eri elinkiertostrategioiden erilaisen lisääntymisen ajoittumisen kanssa voi ylläpitää diskreettiä muuntelua. Simulaatiomalli osoitti, että erilaiset elinkiertostrategiat voivat säilyä populaatiossa pelkästään niiden erilaisen lisääntymisen ajoittumisen ansiosta. Elinkierto-ominaisuuksien jatkuvaa muuntelua tutkin neljän mittariperhosen (Cabera exanthemata, Cabera pusaria, Chiasmia clathrata ja Lomaspilis marginata) avulla ja teoreettisesti yleisellä tasolla. Aikaisempi teoria ennustaa ruumiinkoon ja kehitysajan muuntelevan sahalaitakuvion mukaisesti siirryttäessä pohjoisesta etelään, koska aikarajoitteet muuntelevat samalla tavalla. Tämä teoria perustunee epärealistisiin oletuksiin, koska kokeelliset tulokset eivät tukeneet teoriaa silloinkaan, kun mittariperhosten ruumiinkoko muunteli ennustetulla tavalla. Teoreettinen tutkimus osoitti, että myös lisääntymispanostuksen tulisi muunnella sahalaitakuvion mukaisesti suhteessa kesän pituuteen siten, että se on korkeimmillaan siellä, missä aikarajoitteet ovat tiukat. Mittariperhosten tutkiminen antoi jossain määrin tukea tälle ennusteelle. Tulosten perusteella jatkuvaa maantieteellistä muu

It is hereby reported for the first time the identity of a new larval host plant for the alpine pierid Pontia callidice (Hübner, [1800])., Se da a conocer la identidad de una nueva planta nutricia larvaria para el piérido alpino Pontia callidice (Hübner, [1800]).

The first reliable records of Euchloe tagis (Pieridae, Anthocharini) and Carcharodus baeticus (Hesperiidae, Pyrginae) for La Rioja province (N Spain) are provided, together with a new locality for Burgos province for the first one of them. So the number of rhopalocera reliably known in La Rioja province is increased from 149 to 151., Se aportan los primeros registros fidedignos de Euchloe tagis (Pieridae, Anthocharini) y Carcharodus baeticus (Hesperiidae, Pyrginae) para La Rioja, así como una nueva localidad burgalesa para la primera. De este modo se amplía el número de ropalóceros presentes de forma fehaciente en La Rioja de 149 a 151.

The majority of phytophagous insects are relatively specialized in their food habits, and specialization in resource use is expected to be favored by selection in most scenarios. Ecological generalization is less common and less well understood, but it should be selected for by (1) rarity of resources, (2) resource inconstancy, or (3) unreliability of resource quality. Here, we test these predictions by studying egg distribution and offspring survival in the orange tip butterfly, Anthocharis cardamines, on different host plants in Sweden over a five-year period. A total of 3800 eggs were laid on 16 of the 18 crucifers available at the field site during the five years. Three main factors explained host plant generalization: (1) a rarity of food resources in which the female encounter rate of individual crucifer plants was low and within-year phenological succession of flowering periods of the different crucifers meant that individual species were suitable for oviposition only within a short time window, which translates to a low effective abundance of individual crucifer species as experienced by females searching for host plants, making specialization on a single crucifer species unprofitable; (2) variation in food resources in which among-year variation in availability of any one host plant species was high; and (3) larval survivorship varied unpredictably among years on all host plants, thereby necessitating a bet-hedging strategy and use of several different host plants. Unpredictable larval survival was caused by variation in plant stand habitat characteristics, which meant that drowning and death from starvation affected different crucifers differently, and by parasitism, which varied by host plant and year. Hence, our findings are in agreement with the theoretical explanation of ecological generalization above, helping to explain why A. cardamines is a generalist throughout its range with respect to genera within the Cruciferae.

Bijna vijftien jaar geleden speelde er in dit illustere tijdschrift een discussie over de zomerslaap van de citroenvlinder. Zomerslaap lijkt een beetje op winterrust, een periode waarin de vlinder in een soort van rustfase een tijd probeert te overbruggen (te koud, te weinig voedsel, te heet).

Na de sluiting van de steenfabriek Plinthos in Daniken in de jaren zeventig van de vorige eeuw verwilderde het gebied snel. De natuur ging zijn gang, maar niettemin was de natuurwaarde gering. In 1997 kwam het terrein in handen van de Vereniging Natuurmonumenten en kon een actief beheer gevoerd worden. Om het effect van dat beheer te meten, werd in de jaren 2005 tot en met 2007 een inventarisatie van dagvlinders verricht. Deze gegevens zijn vergeleken met inventarisatiegegevens uit de periode 1995 tot en met 1998. De resultaten worden hier geëvalueerd

De Sint-Pietersberg is een van Limburgs bekendste natuurreservaten. Zo is het gebied van oudsher van grote betekenis voor de Nederlands dagvlinders. De natuurhistorische waarde is door afgraving van de berg en achterstallig beheer gedurende de vorige eeuw sterk teruggelopen. In de afgelopen tien jaar is door Vereniging Natuurmonumenten een herstelplan uitgevoerd. Dit artikel beschrijft de historische en actuele betekenis van het Nederlandse deel van de Sint-Pieterberg voor dagvlinders van het Nederlandse deel van de Sint-Pieterberg voor dagvlinders, legt een verband met het recente herstelbeheer en biedt een voorzichtige vooruitblik naar de toekomst

Elke keer als je ze ziet in ons land geeft dat een kick: luzernevlinders! Het maakt niet eens zoveel uit of ze geel of oranje zijn, je dag is weer goed.

In butterflies female mate choice is influenced by both visual and olfactory cues, the latter of which are important at close range. Males of the green-veined butterfly, Pieris napi, are known to release citral ( mixture of geranial and neral, 1: 1), but its role(s) and conditions of release are not known. Here, we show that male P. napi release citral when interacting with conspecific males, conspecific females, heterospecific males and also when alone. The amount of citral released correlated strongly with male flight activity, which explained more than 70% of the variation. This suggests that males do not exercise control over turning release on or off, but rather that citral is emitted as a passive physical process during flight. Electroantennogram experiments showed that female antennal response was ten times more sensitive to citral than male response. Females expressed acceptance behavior when exposed to models made with freshly excised male wings or those treated with citral following chemical extraction, but not to ones with extracted wings only. Hence, these behavioral and electrophysiological tests provide strong evidence that citral is a signal from the male directed to the female during courtship, and that it functions as a male sex pheromone., QC 20100525

The colour of butterflies is determined by the optical properties of their wing scales. The main scale structures, ridges and cross ribs, scatter incident light. The scales of pierid butterflies have usually numerous pigmented beads, which absorb light at short wavelengths and enhance light scattering at long wavelengths. Males of many species of the pierid subfamily Coliadinae have ultraviolet-iridescent wings, because the scale ridges are structured into a multilayer reflector. The iridescence is combined with a yellow or orange-brown colouration, causing the common name of the name of the subfamily, the yellows or sulfurs. In the subfamily Pierinae, iridescent wing tips are encountered in the males of most species of the Colotis-group and some species of the tribe Anthocharidini. The wing tips contain pigments absorbing short-wavelength light, resulting in yellow, orange and red colour can be understood from combinations of wavelength-dependent scattering, absorption and iridescence, which are characteristic for the species and sex

Van Buddleja davidii (vlinderstruik) zijn de laatste jaren veel nieuwe rassen op de markt gekomen. Naar aanleiding van een opplanting bij PPO worden hier de eerste onderzoeksresultaten gepubliceerd. De cultivars worden kort beschreven, en het onderzoek dat gedaan is naar de aantrekkelijkheid voor vlinders wordt toegelicht. Inmiddels is in meerdere landen een Euro-Trail Buddleja gestart. Zodra dat onderzoek is afgerond volgt het volledige onderzoeksrapport, inclusief de keuringsresultaten.

Van Buddleja davidii (vlinderstruik) zijn de laatste jaren veel nieuwe rassen op de markt gekomen. Naar aanleiding van een opplanting bij PPO worden hier de eerste onderzoeksresultaten gepubliceerd. De cultivars worden kort beschreven, en het onderzoek dat gedaan is naar de aantrekkelijkheid voor vlinders wordt toegelicht. Inmiddels is in meerdere landen een Euro-Trail Buddleja gestart. Zodra dat onderzoek is afgerond volgt het volledige onderzoeksrapport, inclusief de keuringsresultaten.

In 1989 werd een nieuwe vlindersoort ontdekt. Het gaat om soorten die sterk op elkaar lijken en voor één soort werden gehouden: het boswitje en het verborgen boswitje. Tot 1990 waren de boswitjes zeldzaam, maar sinds 1992 handhaaft de soort zich op de Pietersberg. Enkele overeenkomsten en verschillen tussen de twee soorten worden besproken

In Pieris napi, female fitness increases with number of matings, but wild females mate at an unexpectedly low rate. From a sexual conflict perspective this could be because males manipulate female remating, or alternatively, because wild females experience costs associated with remating which are not applicable under laboratory conditions. To get an indication which sex controls remating and/or the different sexes’ relative costs and benefits of remating, we here test whether female mating frequency is affected by male courtship intensity. We found no effect on female mating frequency or lifespan. This indicates that (i) females control remating and their optimal mating frequency is lower compared to males, or (ii) males can manipulate female remating. We argue that both these alternatives may apply simultaneously to P. napiand that they are inseparable., Part of urn:nbn:se:su:diva-66

Males of the green-veined butterfly Pieris napi synthesize and transfer the volatile methyl salicylate (MeS) to females at mating, a substance that is emitted by non-virgin females when courted by males, curtailing courtship and decreasing the likelihood of female re-mating. The volatile is released when females display the 'mate-refusal' posture with spread wings and elevated abdomen, when courted by conspecific males. Here, we assess how the amount of MeS released by courted females changes over time since mating, and whether it is influenced by the frequency with which females display the mate-refusal posture. We also assess whether males tailor the anti-aphrodisiac content of ejaculates with respect to the expected degree of sperm competition, by comparing how males allocate MeS proportionately to first and second ejaculates in relation to ejaculate mass. The results show that females housed for 5 days in individual cages where they were able to fly and oviposit normally, released similar amounts of MeS. However, females housed together for the same period of time, causing them to frequently display the mate-refusal posture, released significantly lower levels of MeS than the individually housed females. This indicates that female display of the mate-refusal posture depletes their anti-aphrodisiac stores, and suggests that females are unable to voluntarily control their release of the anti-aphrodisiac. A comparison of relative proportion of MeS transferred by males in their first and second ejaculates showed that proportionately more MeS was allocated to the first ejaculate, in accordance with the idea that these are tailored to delay female re-mating., QC 20100525 QC 20110916

Delias benasu Martinの1新亜種をインドネシアのスラウェシ島北東部, Tambusisi山から記載した. Delias benasuはDelias属の中でも非常に特徴的な斑紋をもつ種であり, Talbot(1937)によってDelias属belladonna groupに含められていたが, 森下(1981)による雄交尾器と発香鱗の調査の結果pasithoe groupに所属を移された. 本種はスラウェシ島中央部の山地帯(標高約1,000-1,500m)からのみ知られていたが, 今回新たに記載した亜種はスラウェシ島南東部のTambusisi山(標高2,422m)から発見された. Tambusisi山は原名亜種が分布するスラウェシ島中央部の山地帯からやや孤立している. 本亜種は, 雄の翅表がいっそう青みを帯びる, 表面後翅外半の斑列が幅広い, 裏面前翅翅頂付近に明瞭な黄色斑が現れる, 雌前翅の帯が白い, 雌雄とも裏面後翅外半の斑列が明瞭で幅広い, などの特徴により原名亜種から識別可能である. なお, 本種にはこれまで他に亜種は認められていなかった. Delias benasuは雄交尾器形態(特にウンクスとファルス)の変異の幅が大きいようであるが, 本亜種の雄交尾器も種内変異の幅に含まれた., A new subspecies of Delias benasu is described from Mt Tambusisi, northeastern Sulawesi, Indonesia. This subspecies is distinguished from the nominotypical subsp. benasu from central Sulawesi by the bluish upperside ground colour, much broadened submarginal spots on hindwing, and distinctly yellowish subapical area of forewing underside in the males.

Male Pieris napi butterflies previously have been shown to synthesize and transfer an antiaphrodisiac, methyl salicylate (MeS), to females at mating. This substance curtails courtship and decreases the likelihood of female remating. Here, we show that similar systems occur in Pieris rapae and Pieris brassicae. In P. rapae, C-13-labeling studies showed that males utilize the amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan as precursors to MeS and indole, respectively. These volatiles are transferred to females at mating and function as antiaphrodisiacs, as demonstrated by field tests entailing painting MeS, indole, or a mixture on the abdomens of virgin females and assessing their attractiveness to wild males. With P. brassicae, C-13-labeling studies showed that males use phenylalanine as a precursor to synthesize benzyl cyanide, which was demonstrated to function as an antiaphrodisiac by field tests similar to those for P. rapae. This communication system exhibits both similarities and differences among the three species; in P. napi and P. rapae, males are fragrant but transfer a volatile antiaphrodisiac to females that is completely different from the male odor, whereas in P. brassicae the antiaphrodisiac transferred by male to female is identical with male odor., QC 20100525

Biogeography and ecology of southern Portuguese butterflies and burnets (Lepidoptera) During several visits to the western part of the Algarve (southern Portugal), the author mapped the butterflies and burnets of this region. In total, I observed 58 butterfly species (51 Papilionoidea, 7 Hesperiidae) and 6 Zygaenidae during my observations in spring and summer. More than 80% of the species are Palaearctic faunal elements, three species are considered Holarctic, three are Nearctic and four are Palaeotropic. Around 75% of the Palaearctic species are Mediterranean faunal elements. Within the Palaearctic group, the 23 species belonging uniquely to the Atlanto- Mediterranean faunal type are by far the largest group. Siberian elements are lacking. Thus, the observed species composition is characteristic f

Biogeography and ecology of southern Portuguese butterflies and burnets (Lepidoptera) During several visits to the western part of the Algarve (southern Portugal), the author mapped the butterflies and burnets of this region. In total, I observed 58 butterfly species (51 Papilionoidea, 7 Hesperiidae) and 6 Zygaenidae during my observations in spring and summer. More than 80% of the species are Palaearctic faunal elements, three species are considered Holarctic, three are Nearctic and four are Palaeotropic. Around 75% of the Palaearctic species are Mediterranean faunal elements. Within the Palaearctic group, the 23 species belonging uniquely to the Atlanto- Mediterranean faunal type are by far the largest group. Siberian elements are lacking. Thus, the observed species composition is characteristic for the Atlanto-Mediterranean region. Some of the observed species can be found all over the study area, often in a variety of habitats. Other species are more or less geographically restricted. Their regional distribution patterns depend on geomorphological and ecological constraints. Several species are restricted to the limestone areas, others are limited to the acid schist and granite areas. Several species were only observed in the western coastal dunes. Some species occur exclusively in the mountain areas. Some species were not recorded along the windy western and south-western coastal areas. Several species become rare or even disappear in suitable habitats that show little diversity of the vegetation. The occurrence of many species is directly linked to one or few distinct types of vegetation like cork oak forests, deciduous forests and natural hedges along water courses, Cistus macchias, garigues on limestone, dry grasslands or hot rocky places with little vegetation.