Egg color dimorphism in the endangered Schaus Swallowtail butterfly, <i>Papilio aristodemus ponceanus</i>, of south Florida (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae).

Authors

  • J. C. Daniels
  • M. C. Minno
  • T. C. Emmel
  • P. J. Eliazar
  • L. L. Groce

Keywords:

Agathymus, behavior, biology, eggs, Florida Keys, hostplants, Hymenoptera, immatures, Megathymidae, Mexico, Nearctic, oviposition, parasitoids, Rutaceae, Trichogrammatidae

Abstract

Females of the Schaus Swallowtail (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus Schaus) lay dark green eggs and light green eggs in an approximately 1:2 ratio in the wild on Elliott Key, Biscayne National Park, southern Florida. This color dimorphism may be maintained as a balanced polymorphism by selection for cryptic matching of new and old growth foliage of the primary larval hostplant, torchwood (Amyris elemifera, Rutaceae).

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Published

1993-05-01

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Section

Articles