Miami Blue Butterfly Larvae (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) and Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): New Information on the Symbionts of an Endngered Taxon

Authors

  • Emily V. Saarinen
  • Jaret C. Daniels

Abstract

Historical, anecdotal records of the state-endangered Miami blue butterfly, Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri (Comstock & Huntington) (Lepidoptera), have mentioned larval associations with the Florida carpenter ant, Camponotus sp. Recent population studies confirm that C. t. bethunebakeri larvae associate with Camponotus floridanus (Buckley) as well as another member of the genus, Camponotus planatus (Roger). Additionally, caterpillars have been observed tended by Crematogaster ashmeadi (Emery), Forelius pruinosus (Roger), and Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fab.). Field surveys of remaining Miami blue habitat and recent butterfly reintroduction sites reveal other potential ant associates, Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille) and Paratrechina bourbonica (Forel), and a host of possible predaceous ant species. The corresponding conservation implications are discussed. Detailed information is also presented about larval ant-associated organs and their mediation of this facultative symbiosis.

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Published

2006-03-01

Issue

Vol. 89, No. 1 (March 2006)

Section

Literature Review Articles

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