Publication
10. Immature stages and new host plant record for Leucochimona hyphea (Cramer, 1776) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae: Riodininae) in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Ccahuana, R.; Corahua-Espinoza, T.; Nakahara, S.; Tejeira, R.; Rodríguez-Melgarejo, M. & Gallice, G.
Journal: Tropical Lepidoptera Research, 31(3), 158–165.
Date:
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Highlights
First complete immature life cycle of Leucochimona hyphea is described.
Spermacoce latifolia (Rubiaceae) is identified as a new natural host plant.
Ant organs (TNOs) found on larvae despite lack of observed ant association.
Study contributes to knowledge of Mesosemiina life histories in Peru.
Abstract
Introduction
We report for the first time the complete immature stages of the Neotropical riodinid butterfly Leucochimona hyphea (Cramer, 1776).
Material & Methods
Based on individuals reared in Madre de Dios, Peru.
Results
We illustrate all five larval instars, in addition to the pupa and the egg, and provide the duration of each stage. We also provide evidence for the presence of ant organs on A8 of the larvae and pupa of L. hyphea, and report its natural host plant at the study site, Spermacoce latifolia Aubl. (Rubioideae: Rubiaceae), which represents a new host record for this species.