Contribution to the ecology and conservation biology of the endangered <i>Papilio homerus</i> (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae).

Authors

  • E. Garraway
  • A. J. A. Bailey
  • T. C. Emmel

Keywords:

Acanthaceae, ants, Araceae, Araliaceae, bacteria, biology, Clethraceae, conservation, Cyatheaceae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Formicidae, Gramineae, Guttiferae, Hernandiaceae, hostplants, Hymenoptera, immature stages, Jamaica, larva, Lauraceae, Leguminosae, lizards, Malvaceae, mating, Mimosaceae, Musaceae, natural control, Papilionaceae, parasitoids, Pinaceae, predation, pupa, Urticaceae, Verbenaceae, Zingiberaceae

Abstract

Ecological and biological studies were conducted on the eastern population of Papilio homerus Fabricius between January 1991 and September 1992. Hernandia catalpaefolia Britton and Harris was the only confirmed larval food plant and only a small portion of the available plants was utilized at any time. Eight adult nectar sources were recorded. Immature stages were recorded throughout the year and there was no indication of distinct broods. Neither seasonal nor daily migration were observed. The ratio of females to males netted in the field was 1:3.5, that for animals reared was 1:1.4. Mating adults were observed in tandem for over 25 minutes. Hymenopterous egg parasitoids caused 76.5% mortality and bacterial infection caused high mortality among the larvae, prepupae and pupae. Population numbers appear to be naturally regulated. The establishment of a National Park system now gives protection to some of the vital habitat.

Downloads

Published

1993-11-01

Issue

Section

Articles