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Program Abstracts:
Lepidopterists’ Society Annual Meeting 2005
Arnold, Sarah E.
1 (presenter), Frank C. Schroeder
2, and Scott R. Smedley
1
ABSTRACT: Caterpillars of certain pierid butterfly species possess glandular hairs. In Pieris rapae and Pieris napi, these cuticular structures produce droplets containing mixtures of previously unknown lipids, and in P. rapae these compounds serve a defensive role against predatory ants. We have discovered that two additional species possess secretory hairs? Pieris virginiensis, a congener of the two previously studied species, and the more distantly related Anthocharis midea. We are currently determining whether the larval secretions of these two species play a defensive role and are characterizing their chemical composition. Bagdonas, Karolis, Biology Dept., Sam Houston State University
ABSTRACT: In spring and summer of 2004, the numbers of both butterflies
Balcázar Lara, Manuel A.. Facultad de Biológicas y Agropecuarias,
U. de Colima, Campus Tecomán, Km. 40 Autopista Colima-Manzanillo, CP
28100, Colima, México. E-mail: mabl@cgic.ucol.mx.
ABSTRACT. The so called “Bombycoid Complex” is a monophyletic lineage of three superfamilies (Mimallonoidea, Lasiocampidea and Bombycoidea) defined by five synapomorphies. The information associated with these taxa has never been compiled for Mexico. Updated checklists are available only for two of the six families present in the country. We summarize the information gathered towards the publication of catalogues for these groups. The number of species present in Mexico totals 656. This number is about 13% of the world’s fauna for the bombycoids. This figure is surpassed by the families Bombycidae (27%), Sphingidae (18%) and Saturniidae (14%). On the other hand, taxa with richer faunas in the Old World tropics have lower percentages in our area (i. e. Eupterotidae 1%, Lasiocampidae 7%). Our knowledge about these groups is very uneven. For Saturniidae and Sphingidae there is a very high number of publications, revisions and checklists, and are among the best know insects in the Neotropics. On the other hand, besides descriptions of new taxa, general checklists and the information in classical books, there is almost no information for the reminder of the taxa in Mexico. Barber, Jesse R., Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem NC
ABSTRACT: Tiger moths are attacked less than similar-sized eared moths in the night sky. Their good fortune rests upon a pair of sound-producing structures, the tymbals, allowing these moths to produce sound when pursued by bats. The jamming hypothesis for these sounds states that a jamming moth should respond late in the echolocation attack to maximize angular errors, while a moth warning of its nasty taste should call early to give the bat time to respond. Other laboratory work has shown that the more complex a moth’s call, the larger the jamming effect. Therefore, the more complex the call, the later in the echolocation attack the moth should click. Here we present evidence from a tropical tiger moth assemblage that regardless of call structure, tiger moths respond at the same point in the bat attack. Barrows, Edward M., Laboratory of Entomology and Biodiversity, Department
of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057-1229 barrowsed@georgetown.edu
ABSTRACT: This study examines rhopaloceran diversity in my 1045 square meter Piedmont suburban yard in 3,942,000 square kilometer Washington, D.C. area (WDCA). I manage my yard to be plant-species rich and highly arthropod friendly. Forty-two (38%) of the 102 WDCA butterfly species (Washington AREA Butterfly Club, 2004) appeared in the yard during 12 flight seasons (2 rare, 12 uncommon, 19 common, and 9 abundant species). Twenty-four (57%) of the 42 yard species had the same abundances (either common or uncommon) as those from the entire WDCA. The yard had more WDCA common species that uncommon ones (Chi-Square test, P less than or equal to .01). At least 8 species had larvae in the yard, including the WDCA-uncommon Battus philenor. A small butter-friendly yard can harbor a notable number of butterfly species.
ABSTRACT. During metamorphosis, insects undergo a drastic re-organization of the body, involving widespread cell death and the generation of entirely new tissue. The extent to which the larval brain integrates into that of the adult is not yet known. The present study examines the ability of memory to persist from the larval to adult stage in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Fourth instar larvae conditioned to avoid the odor of ethyl acetate demonstrated a significant avoidance of the odor when assayed for learning in a Y-choice chamber. These same larvae were assayed again as adults to determine whether the aversive association persisted through metamorphosis. A second experiment uses cell labeling techniques to examine the possibility of neuronal cell survival through metamorphosis as a mechanism for memory retention. Bowers, Deane, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University
of Colorado, Boulder; 80309 deane.bowers@colorado.edu
ABSTRACT. Many species of checkerspot butterflies (tribe Melitaeini) sequester certain chemical compounds, iridoid glycosides, from their hostplants, often in very large amounts. These compounds make both larvae and adults unpalatable to potential predators. The Baltimore Checkerspot, Euphydryas phaeton (Nymphalidae) commonly uses two hostplant species, Chelone glabra (Scrophulariaceae), the native host plant, and Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae), an introduced host plant. Rearing Baltimore checkerspot larvae on these two plant species showed that iridoid glycosides are sequestered from both species, and that the amounts and kinds of iridoids sequestered differs depending on the hostplant species. Both larvae and adults contain iridoid glycosides and adult females also put iridoid glycosides into the eggs. Brodkin, Priscilla, 3050 East Carr Canyon Road, Hereford, AZ 85615;
hbrodkin@cox.net
ABSTRACT: The road from Cuzco over and down the east slope of the Andes to the village of Atalaya on the Rio Alto Madre de Dios in the Amazon Basin of southeastern Peru is arguably the most exciting transect in the neotropics. Last September we were privileged to do this route sampling many of the butterflies on the way. From Atalaya we crossed the river to spend four days at Amazonia lodge whose mix of many microhabitats produced a mind-numbing number of butterfly species. We then traveled down stream to the Manu Wildlife Center, another spot of much interest to the lepidopterist. Priscilla Brodkin will share some of the images that she and her husband, Hank, took of these interesting species. Most of the species are identified, thanks to many of our friends. A few were not - and hopefully some of the audience can fill in the gaps. Brower, Andrew, Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis,
OR 97331; browera@science.oregonstate.edu
ABSTRACT: The effort to develop a comprehensive evolutionary tree for butterflies based on DNA sequences has come a long way in the past ten years. We have evolved from individuals working largely in isolation into a global network of collaborators working on complementary aspect of the problem of butterfly phylogeny. This talk will provide an overview of the relatively short history of butterfly molecular systematics, and present some recent highlights from work done by various members of this collaborative group. Trees for ithomiines, danaines, heliconiines, satyrines, nymphalines, and an exemplar study of butterflies as a whole will be presented. John M. Burns, Dept. of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History,
ABSTRACT: Macrolepidoptera of the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste (ACG),
Covell, Charles V., Jr., McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity,
Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Fl 32611-4378
ABSTRACT: A photographic journey backwards with images of old friends taken by the author and via photographs of annual meetings, now in the Lepidopterists’ Society's archives at the McGuire Center. Douglas, Jonathan M. [student] , 7131 Oran SE, Cascade Terrace, Grand
Rapids, Michigan, 49546
ABSTRACT: The exploitation of polarized light to detect mates may have adaptive value in forest habitats, where illumination varies greatly in spectrum and intensity. Here we investigate the extent to which Neotropical butterflies exhibit polarized iridescence and evaluate the types of habitats in which the trait is commonly found. We examined the degree of polarized wing patterns in representative species belonging to the families Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, and Pieridae found with Costa Rica. Of the 178 species examined, 116 species exhibited moderate to prominent polarization. These species were significantly more likely to occupy forest habitats than open habitats. Douglas, Matthew M., Grand Rapids Community College, 7131 Oran SE,
Cascade Terrace, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546 mdouglas@grcc.edu
ABSTRACT: A number of topographical, meteorological, solar, and electromagnetic parameters have been shown to provide sensory cues for an orientation and guidance system that allows Monarch butterflies in North America to migrate to their overwintering roosts in Mexico and California. These environmental parameters include geographic features such as rivers, oceans and mountains, the passage of seasonal cold fronts, the seasonal changes in temperature, the seasonal changes of the sun’s angle in the sky, the diurnal passage of the sun from east to west, polarized light, and geomagnetism. This paper addresses the strengths and weaknesses of each environmental parameter as it pertains to a hypothetical guidance system and proposes a solution for how Monarch butterflies may integrate an array of environmental cues that (when used in concert) allows them to migrate to the same overwintering roosts every year. Garrett, Sarah [student], Biology Department, Wake Forest University
ABSTRACT: Moths (Lepidoptera) evolved their hearing abilities in response to the selection pressures of echolocating bats and some have secondarily coopted sound detection for courtship. Since a moth’s acoustic responses to a bat and to a conspecific are likely to represent very differnt selective regimes, the two responses may be mutually exclusive. If so, a moth especies that has a complex courtship system will use acoustic signals appropriate for intraspecific communication and will have terminated the use of acoustic signals for communication with bats. To test this hypothesis I used three moth species, Cycnia tenera, Empyreuma affinis, and Syntomeida epilais (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea; Arctiidae), which all detect and produce sound but vary in the complexity of sound used during courtship. Individuals of each species were played two sets of ultrasonic pulses, one set of bat calls and another set of conspecific calls. Garwood, Kim, Mission, Texas.
ABSTRACT: An illustrated talk based on the nicely illustrated book on butterflies of northwestern Mexico by Ms. Garwood and Richard Lehmann. Gilligan, Todd M.[student], Museum of Biological Diversity, The Ohio
State University, Columbus 43212 gilligan5@osu.edu
ABSTRACT: The genus Hystricophora (Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) has been largely unstudied for the past 75 years. Roughly half of the currently of the eleven currently described species make up a complex whose members inhabit vast areas of the western United States. Recent studies of this complex have shown that variation between to individuals in the same population rivals interspecific variation in the genus. Such variation is evident in all morphological characters examined, including male and female genitalic characters. This poses significant problems when attempting to delimit species boundaries within the genus; application of recent phylogenetic species concepts would synonymize several of the current names. Goldstein, Paul Z., Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center
for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, University of Florida
ABSTRACT: Homology assessment is the most fundamental component of comparative biology. Its relevance spans all forms of biological observations, whether they be morphological, molecular, behavioral or otherwise. With the advent of phylogenetic systematics, homology became inextricably linked to the notion of synapomorphy—shared, uniquely derived features. In the last few years, homology has withstood renewed treatment in the scientific literature from technical (e.g. software), applied (e.g. molecular versus morphological), theoretical, and philosophical perspectives. Of critical interest is the distinction of observed similarity (putative homology) from synapomorphy, and whether the two are synonymous and therefore treated identically in mechanics of phylogenetic analysis. These issues will be reviewed with emphasis on the coding of characters, sources of character data, and their combination,with particular reference to lepidopteran studies. Gruber, John W. and Liz Parzych, Friends’ Central School, 1101
City Avenue
ABSTRACT: Nemoria lixaria is a widespread geometrine moth of the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Gravid adult females of N. lixaria were collected in Pocomoke River State Park, Worcester Co., MD. Larvae were reared to pupae on Quercus coccinea leaves, Quercus palustris catkins, Rhus typhina, Juglans nigra, and Betula populifolia. Newly emerged adults were contained in rearing cages and allowed to mate. Second generation larvae were reared on oak and divided between two growth chambers under differing regimens of light and temperature. Reduced temperature and shortened diurnal photoperiod produced melanic adult moths in a range of varying forms. Warm temperatures and long diurnal photoperiod induced typical green summer forms. Additional experiments are planned to investigate at what point in larval or pupal development melanic forms are induced. Heath, Fred, 5443 Camino Compadre, Camarillo. CA 93012 fred.heath@earthlink.net
ABSTRACT: Although Arizona is a wonderful place (especially in August) to find many exciting species of butterfly which can be found nowhere else in the U.S., many of these species can be found a lot more commonly south of the border in Mexico. Certainly Arizona (not to mention Texas) has a larger list of butterflies than California. However, no state comes close to the number of endemics or near endemics which are found in California. If you want to see Hermes Copper, Avalon Scrub-Hairstreak, San Emigdio or Veined Blue, then a trip to Southern California is mandatory. Enjoy these and other unique butterflies through a virtual trip of Southern California with the beautiful photographs* of Herb Clarke. Jordan, Alex T., Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem,
N.C. 27109 jordnt1@wfu.edu
ABSTRACT: The androconial organs of male salt marsh moths are inflatable air-filled tubes, coremata, that arise from intersegmental intersegmental imaginal disks between the 8th and 9th abdominal segments. The larvae of the salt marsh moth are polyphagous but prefer to feed on plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs are toxic secondary plant substances based on a bicyclic nitrogen containing pyrrolizidine ring and are common in many plants, particularly in certain Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, and Fabaceae. Pas are thought to protect plants from herbivores. This study focuses on the role of Pas as dietary corematal morphogens and seeks to describe their effects on corematal development. Kaufman, Kenn, Rocky Ridge, OH; kenn.kaufman@worldnet.att.net
ABSTRACT: There aren’t any cons to the appreciation itself, so I’m going to focus on the way that such appreciation has actually has been promoted – and in what effect that can have on conservation, on science, and on public perceptions of nature in general. Warning to you butterfly enthusiasts –I’m also going to going to talks about moths! Kawahara, Akito Y., Department of Entomology, University of Maryland,
College Park 20742; kawahara@umd.edu
ABSTRACT: Due to their small size, preserving microlepidoptera for molecular research can be challenging. While it may be convenient to place entire specimens in alcohol, many species remain undescribed, and it is therefore necessary to preserve dried, spread specimens. Collecting multiple specimens has been suggested, but only one specimen per species is frequently collected. Removing legs has also been proposed, but some taxa have microscopic legs, and nuclear genes may not be expressed in abundance in this body region. I propose removing the abdomen and three legs before spreading the specimen on a square, wooden mounting block secured in a Schmitt box. This method can be readily applied in the field, preserves nucleotides for molecular systematics, prevents damage, and secures a spread voucher specimen for identification. Klein, Michael W., 4588 Wilson Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, keps2@flite-tours.com
ABSTRACT: The Thorne’s Hairstreak is a butterfly restricted to the Otay Mountain region of San Diego County. Much discussion as to whether it is a separate species or a subspecies is ongoing. The fires of October 2003 appeared to have a significant impact on them. So much so it was presumed extinct. With limited populations being discovered in 2004 and 2005 we now have an opportunity to pursue further research on is taxonomy, relation with its hostplant, Tecate Cypress and dispersal behavior. Kral, Thomas, 6600 North Galaxy Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85741, phoebus@gainusa.com
ABSTRACT: Ecologists have long recognized butterflies as the best group of insects for examining patterns of total biodiversity. By fixing global insect diversity using “The Butterfly Index”, the total number of living species on earth, as well as actual extinction rates, have been calculated from reliable data. At most, there are 3.63 million species and the extinction rate is 3 to 5 species annually, vastly differing from the much higher estimates embraced by leading ecologists. This paper, accessible on-line at http://www.sovereignty.net/p/land/kral-insect.htm details precise biodiversity and extinction rate calculations and also explains where the world’s leading ecologists went spectacularly wrong. Only the scientific aspects of this paper will be discussed. Kunte, Krushnamegh [student], Section of Integrative Biology, University
of Texas at Austin, 78712-0253 krushnamegh@mail.utexa.edu
ABSTRACT: Butterfly proboscis length is positively correlated with body length. Many species, however, possess allometrically developed, disproportionately longer proboscides. The adaptive significance of long proboscides is obvious: they provide butterflies access to flowers with long corolla tubes, which, for their size, would be otherwise inaccessible. It is, then, intriguing, why this feature is not more widespread. Perhaps ecological constraints, such as increased flower handling time, prevent this evolution. I tested this idea with field observations of Costa Rican butterflies. In these butterflies handling time was positively correlated with body size, but negatively correlated with proboscis length: body size ratio. The correlations were unaffected by nectar volume, competition or community diversity. These results indicate that increased handling time may constrain the evolution of allometric growth of butterfly proboscides. Lawrie, David D., 10820 78 Ave, Apt. 307, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
, T6E 1P6
ABSTRACT: Hispaniola, despite being the second largest island in the Caribbean, likely has the greatest biodiversity and number of endemic organisms of all islands in the Caribbean. This is an undecided question at present. In this talk, I’ll try to describe the wide range of ecological areas present in the Dominican Republic and the biodiversity implications. I’ll then talk about my experiences as a volunteer worker for the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural. During my short tenure, WE found a lot! The goals of this talk are to convey the fact that “Amateurs” can make a difference, (perhaps in not readily apparent ways, to be discussed) and much remains to be saved and discovered on this beautiful island. There is hope. Lill, John T., Department of Biology, George Washington University,
Washington, D.C. 20052 lillj@gwu.edu
ABSTRACT: The construction of leaf shelters by caterpillars is a common and widespread behavior within the Lepidoptera. Perhaps less well documented is the secondary use of precontructed shelters by con- and heterospecific larvae. The leaftying fauna associated with oaks (Quercus species) in eastern is well developed, consisting of about 20 species, most of which are microlepidoptera. Adults of many of these species oviposit in preexisting leaf ties, commonly resulting in coinhabiting and/or sequential use of the same shelter by more than one larva. In the field, we explored the consequences of larval density and colonization sequence (primary vs. secondary colonists) on the survival and parasitism rate of Psilocorsis quercicella (Oecophoridae). In addition, we conducted laboratory experiments to test the hypothesis that cohabitation decreases “construction costs” – a potential benefit to shelter sharing – using P. quercicella and Pseudotelpusa nov. sp. (Gelechiidae). Masters, John, 26503 Hillsfall Ct., Newhall, CA 91321 quest4tvl@aol.com
ABSTRACT: Henry Skinner revived the name Neophasia terlooii Behr in 1900 and applied it to the Arizona species of Neophasia described as Neophasia epyaxa by H. Strecker in the same year. He did this primarily to discredit the Strecker name as a junior synonym. The problem is that Neophasia terlooii, as described by Behr, is more likely a junior synonym of Eucheira socialis Westwood. McGuinness, Hugh, The Ross School, Sag Harbor, New York, 11963; hmcguinness@ross.org
ABSTRACT: Maritime grasslands were once a common and widespread habitat on Long Island. Due to suburbanization, control of wildfires and loss of farms they have become increasingly scarce and are now a conservation priority in the region. At Theodore Roosevelt County Park on the eastern tip of Long Island a controlled burn program was started in order to restore up to 250 acres of grassland. Since then 35 acres of restored grassland have been added to the original 33 acres of grassland remnants that were left in 1994. The Lepidopteran fauna of Long Island’s maritime grassland is important because it includes several species of moths that have disjunct ranges; they occur in coastal grasslands and also in the prairies of the American heartland. In addition, there are at least 25 species that might occur in theses grasslands that have been identified by the New York State Natural Heritage Program as rare or endangered. During the summer of 2004 I sampled moths in the park from May through early November. The purpose of the study was twofold: first, to census the population of rare moths; second to identify the guild of grassland moths and examine whether restored grasslands habitat within the park held the same diversity and abundance of grassland moths as remnant habitat. Miller, Lee D. and Jacqueline Y. Miller, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera
and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL 32611-2170; lmiller@flmnh.ufl.edu
ABSTRACT: Mexico is recognized as one of the international hotspots of biodiversity with more than 2500 butterflies, including skippers, recorded. There has been much speculation concerning the reasons for this exceedingly diverse group in Mexico. Ernst Mayr (1942, 1963) articulated the biological species concept based on his theories and discussions with and publications by other scientists. These concepts and ideas were documented and refined further by Simpson (1944) and Mayr (1963, 1982) with a long list of potential isolating mechanisms. The current biodiversity in Mexican Lepidoptera will be discussed in light of the above concepts and examples will be presented that our assertion that there are far more undescribed taxa than previously believed. Miller, Jacqueline Y and Lee D. Miller, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera
and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL 32611-2170 (jmiller@flmnh.ufl.edu)
ABSTRACT: The lepidopteran fauna of Mexico is exceedingly diverse due in part
to its unusual geological history and the orogeny of mountain ranges to produce
a wide variety of habitats. As a result there are several relictual, insular
patterns present among the tropical moist and intervening xeric areas in Mexico.
Such differences are reflected in the geographic distributions of the Lepidoptera
present with the furthest south distributions of Nearctic taxa and alternatively
the furthest northern distribution of Neotropical species. As a result of this
rich habitat diversity, Mexico possesses extraordinary lepidopteran species
richness and ranks 10th worldwide in biodiversity. Based on current systematic
studies, faunal surveys, and comparative analyses, we will examine representative
examples of these segregates and discuss the potential for future
Oliver, Jeffrey C., Department of Entomology, University of Arizona,
Tucson, AZ 85721, jcoliver@email.arizona.edu [student]
ABSTRACT: Three closely related copper species, Lycaena xanthoides (Boisduval), L. editha (Mead), and L. dione (Scudder), comprise the L. xanthoides species complex. Various authors have treated these three taxa as one, two, or three different species. Extensive intraspecific morphological variation and morphologically intermediate populations, have prompted some authors to classify L. xanthoides and L. editha as one species. I used DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to test the hypothesis that each member of the complex represents a monophyletic lineage. My results demonstrate that each taxon is reciprocally monophyletic, and thus warrant species status. However, the relationships among the three taxa remain unclear, likely due to incomplete lineage sorting following fragmentation in L. xanthoides’ geographic range. Papaj, Daniel R., 3433 E 3rd. St., Tucson, AZ 85716 papaj@email.arizona.edu
ABSTRACT: In a study of the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor L.) , we show that the larva’s aposematic signal has warning value for conspecific females. Specifically, a coloration pattern in the caterpillars that is considered aposematic in terms of attack by natural enemies is shown to be aposematic in terms of oviposition by females. In field and laboratory assays, females avoided oviposition on Aristolochia watsoni Woot. Standl. plants that bore live conspecific larvae. Females avoided plants bearing artificially- constructed models identical in shade, size, and color pattern to larvae, but not on a plant that bore a putatively cryptic leaf-green model, was reduced relative to controls, suggesting that the larval color pattern was essential for avoidance. Powell, Jerry A., Essig Museum of Entomology, University of California,
Berkeley, 94720 powellj@nature.berkeley.edu
ABSTRACT: Don Meadows was the first lepidopterist to collect extensively on any of the California Channel Islands, when he lived on Santa Catalina during 1927-1934. Later he published annotated lists of the butterflies, sphingids, and tiger moths of the island, and he collected more than 260 species from Catalina, the most comprehensive survey of Lepidoptera for any site in California at that time. Meadows is credited with having proposed the Channel Islands Biological Survey of the Los Angeles County Museum, and he helped organize and participated in the initial 1939-40 expeditions. He published several papers, including new taxa from the islands, and at least three patronyms were proposed in his honor. However, by the late 1940’s his interest in insects had waned; in 1950 he sold his collection to the Smithsonian Institution, and he disappeared as a lepidopterist. I ws amazed to learn that during the subsequent 44 years Don Meadow became an acclaimed historian and bibliophile of southern Californiana, published several books and numerous articles in magazines and other periodicals, and was the subject of two published booklets of tributes from admirers, none of whom cared about his life as a lepidopterist. Pozo, Carmen1 and Armando Luis-Martínez2, McGuire Center for
Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, SW 34th Street
and Hull Road, Gainesville FL, PO Box 112710, 2 Museo de Zoología “Alfonso
L. Herrera”, Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Fac. de Ciencias,
UNAM. cpozo@flmnh.ufl.edu
Abstract: The phenology of the Rhopalocera was analyzed for the Calakmul Region (CR), in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. A total of 60,662 individuals of 359 species were recorded. Annual species richness was variable during the years 1997, 1998 and 1999, as a function of the season, with greatest diversity during the months of October and November. The Hesperiidae (135 species) and Nymphalidae (111 species) were the most diverse, and showed greater variation with respect to distribution of species richness throughout the year. A comparison was made between results of the present study and faunal studies with equivalent methodologies of Atoyac de Alvarez (Guerrero), and of Manantlan (Jalisco and Colima). Notable similarities were observed among phenology in the three regions, especially between CR and Manantlan. Prado-Cuellar, Blanca, R., Noemí Salas-Suárez , and Carmen
Pozo, Avenida Centenario km 5.5, CP 77900, Apdo. Postal 424, Chetumal, Quintana
Roo, México, MEXICO
ABSTRACT: The Zoology museum of ECOSUR was founded in 1990. In Mexico there are only four scientific butterfly collections, and our collection is the only one specialized in a tropical area of the country, the Yucatan Peninsula. It has 65,000 specimens representing 427 species in the superfamilies Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea. All the specimens have full data, including date, collector and locality with GIS coordinates and habitat information. The data have been captured in a catalog and in a data base using the Biotica software. Here we present some of the distributions of the endemic species to this area, maps of localities represented in the collection and a comparison of the families represented in the collection for the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatan. Prudic, Katy, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona,
Tucson, AZ 85721 klprudic@email.arizona.edu [student]
ABSTRACT: The Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) and Queen (Danaus gilippus) mimicry association was originally classified as Batesian but later classified as Müllerian using predator bioassay experiments. This reclassification has received mixed acceptance since the experiments did not eliminate the possibility that the Viceroy could be a gustatory as well as a visual mimic of the Queen. Using Gas chromatography and Mass spectrography, I characterized and quantified the chemical profiles of the Viceroy and the Queen. The chemical profiles are quite different between species, thus the Viceroy does not reradily appear to be a gustatory mimic of the Queen. Also, the Viceory emits phenolic compounds with potential defensive capabilities. In light of these results, the Müllerian reclassification by Ritland and Brower is a more accurate depiction of the Viceroy-Queen relationship. Pyle, Robert M., 369 Loop Road, Gray’s River, WA 98621; tlpyle@willapabay.org
ABSTRACT: This talk, illustrated with slides and readings, will explore the
inseparability of plant study with that of butterflies and moths. I will show
how a knowledge of the flora not only facilitates discovery, understanding,
and management of
Rendell, Douglas M. 1 (presenter), Jennifer R. Tetreault1, Frank C.
Schroeder2, and Scott R. Smedley1 /1Department of Biology, Trinity College,
Hartford, CT 06106, USA and 2Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. (douglas.rendell@trincoll.edu)
ABSTRACT: The vulnerability of caterpillars to predation has led to the evolution of diverse defenses, including glandular hairs, setae that produce minute droplets of secretion at their tip. In this study we document larval glandular hairs in six of eight pierid butterfly species examined in the subfamilies, Pierinae and Coliadinae. All four pierine species had glandular hairs, while only two of four coliadine species possessed them. Chemical analysis of the larval secretion of Pieris napi revealed novel lipids, napolenes. Furthermore, a bioassay demonstrated that the secretion of Ascia monuste plays a defensive role: predatory ants (Crematogaster lineolata), after contacting the secretion, responded with intense cleaning behavior and reduced larval contact. These morphological, chemical, and ecological findings are interpreted in light of a recent phylogeny of the Pieridae. Richers, Kelly M., 3417 Carvalho Court, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1486
kerichers@wuesd.org
ABSTRACT: The California County Moth List has reached the 33,000 entry-level and work has begun on the Arizona and Nevada County Moth lists. Arizona is in the preliminary stages of a state list for macromoths and the Nevada list is just beginning. Photography has also begun to compare museum images from one institution to another to validate species names and range. The project is becoming more sophisticated with these additions. Ritland, David, Department of Biology, Erskine College, Due West, SC
29639; dritland@erskine.edu
Roe, Amanda, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton,
Alberta T6G 2E9 CANADA; aroe@ualberta.ca
ABSTRACT: Molecular systematics has become increasingly prevalent in the study of Lepidoptera and obtaining specimens with intact DNA is of great importance. A variety of methods exist for killing and preserving specimens, although optimal conditions are not always available, particularly in field conditions. A large body of anecdotal evidence suggests these techniques vary in their ability to preserve DNA. A systematic examination of the effect of time and preservation technique on both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA quality was conducted. The results of this study will ultimately provide technical recommendations to researchers and collectors wishing to gather material for molecular studies. Rota, Jadranka, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3043; jadranka.rota@uconn.edu
ABSTRACT: The Choreutidae are a small microlepidopteran family with about 409 described species. They are found in all zoogeographic regions, but most of their diversity is in the tropics. The phylogenetic relationships within the family are unknown. In this presentation I will use a molecular tree of choreutid genera based on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1alpha) gene sequences to examine the evolution of complex morphological characters, such as larval chaetotaxy, globally unique dorsal lacunae found in the pupal stage, and the antennal types of choreutid adults. When mapped on the tree, these characters show various degrees of homoplasy. In this talk I will discuss potential reasons for that.
ABSTRACT: Managers of the Ouachita National Forest in west-central Arkansas are restoring the shortleaf pine-bluestem ecosystem on a landscape scale. Thinning of canopy trees and removal of most midstory stems followed by prescribed fire on a three year rotation results in an approximation of pre-European vegetation structure. We used linear transects to quantify butterfly abundance and diversity in treatment sites throughout the fire cycle, and in untreated control sites degraded by decades of fire suppression. Butterfly abundances were higher on treatment sites, especially in the first growing season following fire, than on control sites. The availability of nectar resources correlated with butterfly abundance, suggesting that recovery of the herbaceous understory following restoration leads to increased abundance of adult butterflies. Saarinen, Emily, Jaret Daniels, and Andrei Sourakov, Department of
Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida and McGuire Center for Lepidoptera
and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida,
Gainesville.
ABSTRACT: The Miami blue butterfly, Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri, is a state-endangered lycaenid endemic to Florida. A captive colony of Miami blues is currently under propagation at the University of Florida to provide individuals for reintroduction and to effectively safeguard the last naturally occurring population in South Florida. Since May 2004, over 2,500 individuals have been released into suitable habitat within Everglades and Biscayne National Parks with populations monitored on a monthly basis. Current field work has led to the discovery of new symbiotic ant partners while additional research has recently begun to examine the effects of mosquito control applications on butterflies and larvae. Future research will include an analysis of inbreeding depression and the development of molecular markers to evaluate genetic diversity in captive and field populations. Salcedo, Christian, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity,
Florida Museum of Natural History, S.W. 34th Street and Hull Road, P.O. Box
112710, Gainesville, Fl 32611-8525 salcedo@ufl.edu
ABSTRACT: Heliconius heurippa represents a possible case of speciation associated to introgressive hybridization. This particular species presents a wing color pattern that combines genetic elements from its possible parental species: H. melpomene and H. cydno. Butterfly models were used in approach and courtship experiments to test if sexual selection associated to wing color pattern has influenced the speciation of H. heurippa. A total of five models were used built from real and paper wings that resembled H. cydno, H. melpomene ,H. heurippa, H. heurippa modified, showing only red color, and H. heurippa modified, showing only yellow color. The results confirm that wing color pattern is very important in mate choice within these three species and in particular the “mixed” color pattern “cydno-melpomene” that posses H. heurippa. H. melpomene and H. cydno males showed preference towards its own color pattern in all cases. Following the same fashion, H. heurippa males preferred its own color pattern. This suggests that there is positive assortative mating leaded by wing color pattern for the three species under study and that the combination of colors that H. heurippa presents constitutes a mate choice signal. In conclusion, mate choice associated to wing color pattern is not only important to the precigotic reproductive isolation but also possibly played a keyrole in the origin of H. heurippa through hybridization between H. melpomene and H. cydno. Salinas-Gutiérrez, José Luis [student] & Aixchel
Maya M. [student] , Avenida Centenario km 5.5, CP 77900, Apdo. Postal 424, Chetumal,
Quintana Roo, México, MEXICO
ABSTRACT: We evaluate the faunistic composition of three families of butterflies, Papilionidae, Pieridae and Nymphalidae in the high tropical evergreen forest of Mexico. Today this type of forest is distributed at the Lacandon forest in Chiapas, some fragments in Tabasco and Campeche, in los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, and in an area between the limits of the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz. We analyzed 12 areas using the parsimony algorithm, and we discuss the distribution using precipitation maps and biogeographic provinces. Thus far 392 species, representing about 51.8% of Mexico fauna of Papilionidae, Pieridae and Nymphalidae have been registered. Los Tuxtlas, Sierra de Juarez, Oaxaca, and Chajul, Chiapas, represented 44.6% of all the species reported for evergreen tropical forest in Mexico and constituted a group based on the algorithm for species richness. Sandeford, Mark V., 208 Mt. Vernon Ave., Danville, VA; oleander@gamewood.net
ABSTRACT. The courtship flight patterns of two unpalatable ctenuchine arctiid
moths from Florida were videotaped and analyzed for differences. Empyreuma affinis
males rely on scent in locating the females, and therefore would be expected
to approach calling females from downwind. Males and females of Syntomeida epilais,
on the other hand, employ an extended series of acoustic signals of the call-and-response
type, which should enable males to approach from any direction, or even circle
the female. Analysis of 22 Empyreuma and 24 Syntomeida videotaped (IR or backlit)
male courtship flights with the Rayleigh test showed (p< 0.05) random directionality
in the syntomeidan approaches, and a tightly-focused downwind directional bias
in the empyreuman flight paths.
ABSTRACT: Members of the genus Grammia (Arctiidae) occur throughout North America, with notable species radiations in grassland and steppe habitats. Grammia and closely related genera appear to be basal groups within the large and ecologically diverse subfamily Arctiinae; a clearer picture of Grammia phylogeny in light of ecology and biogeography should therefore provide insight into the evolution of the complex acoustic and phytochemical ecology exhibited by tiger moths. A preliminary phylogeny of Grammia based on molecular data will be presented and discussed. Simmons, R. B. Simmons and S. J. Weller, University of North Dakota,
Dept. of Biology, Box 9019, Grand Forks, ND 58202, rebecca.simmons@und.nodak.edu
ABSTRACT: Tiger moths in the ctenuchine-euchromiine clade (C-E clade) display a wide variety of coloration types, ranging from cryptic to mimetic. Early workers (i.e. Hampson, Draudt) placed non-mimetic ctenuchines as ancestral to the remaining members of the C-E clade. More recently, Simmons and Weller (2001) found evidence that these non-mimics are neither ancestral nor basal to the C-E clade, indicating that mimetic coloration may have evolved several times independently within this lineage. Here, we revisit these issues with an expanded data set from Simmons and Weller (2001). Using mitochondrial DNA, we will discuss the generic relationships, the monophyly of the Ctenuchini and Euchromiini, and the origin and evolution of mimetic type. Simonsen, Thomas J., Department of Biological Sciences, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9 CANADA
ABSTRACT: Though more than 20 lepidopteran autapomorphies are known today, the most striking and immediately recognizable is the presence of tiny, flattened scales that cover the wings. Despite the facts that the non-distysian grade comprises only 1% of all known Lepidoptera, the wing vestiture and scale morphology show considerable variation within this grade. Based on electron microscopic studies of the 25 non-ditrysian families, I give a short I give a short introduction to the considerable variation there is in wing vestiture and scale ultrastructure and illustrate the most important evolutionary and phylogenetic aspects in early Lepidoptera evolution. Singer, Mike, Biology Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown,
CT 06459; msinger@wesleyan.edu
ABSTRACT: Caterpillars of the arctiid, Grammia geneura, gain resistance against parasitoids by feeding on host-plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) or iridoid glycosides. Here we present evidence that parasitism increases the feeding response by G. geneura to these putative medicines. Parasitism increased caterpillar consumption of PA-impregnated filter paper, but not of sucrose-impregnated filter paper. Support for self-medication was strengthened by electrophysiological measures of the rate of action potential firing by taste neurons. Parasitism increased the firing rates of taste neurons in response to feeding stimulants (PAs and iridoid glycosides) characteristic of defensive host-plants. By contrast, parasitism was associated with reduced rates of firing in response to the representative deterrent plant chemical, caffeine. Parasitism did not change the gustatory responsiveness to the nutritional feeding stimulant, sucrose. Smedley, Scott R. 1 (presenter), Frank C. Schroeder2, Amy E. Schoenfeld1,
Sarah E. Arnold1, and Rachael L. Currao1, 1Department of Biology, Trinity College,
Hartford, CT 06106, USA and 2Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. (scott.smedley@trincoll.edu)
ABSTRACT: Lepidopterans are renowned for their ability to sequester chemical defenses through larval ingestion of host plant compounds. We here report an apparently novel means of larval defense: anointment of the cuticle with host-derived secondary metabolites. Cuticular hairs on larvae of the noctuid moth Heliothis virescens acquire droplets of fluid when they brush against the glandular trichomes of their host tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum). Bioassays with predatory ants (Crematogaster lineolata) demonstrated that the droplets serve a defensive role: contact with droplet-bearing caterpillars increased ant cleaning behavior and reduced subsequent ant-caterpillar interaction relative to contact with caterpillars lacking droplets. The droplets contain a mixture of duvane diterpenes, and further bioassays showed that these compounds account for the droplets’ anti-predator activity. Snell-Rood, Emilie C.[student], and Daniel R. Papaj, University of
Arizona, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 1041 East Lowell St.
BSW Rm. 310, Tucson AZ 85721, emilies@email.arizona.edu
ABSTRACT: Insects must detect stimuli embedded in a sensory environment of competing stimuli. Do host-searching butterflies 1) learn cues dependent on the sensory environment, and 2) learn characteristics of the background, such that performance on novel tasks in the same sensory environment is facilitated? Females of Battus philenor (Papilionidae: Lepidoptera) were trained to different colored and shaped oviposition targets, against different background colors. Individuals trained to colors on a brown background but tested on a green background performed significantly worse than control individuals (trained to the same colors, against a green background) in both color memory (green and red) and shape learning. This suggests that cue learning depends on an insect’s sensory environment. Snyder, John A., Dept. of Biology, Furman University, Greenville, SC
29613
Solis, M. Alma, Systematic Entomology Laboratory, ARS, USDA, National
Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
ABSTRACT: Early studies in the Pyraloidea based on external similarities resulted in taxa that were misplaced: pyraloids in other superfamilies and species of other superfamilies in the Pyraloidea. It was not until the 20th century that pyraloidologists started to look beyond external similarities and explore internal structures. Due to the large number of pyraloid taxa, species identities and relationships worldwide based on a concept of morphology have far to go. Basic comparative morphological work in the genitalic and tympanic structures has brought greater clarity to higher-level taxa in the Pyraloidea. This presentation will address questions of homology based on morphological research by recent authors in Pyraloidea, and also touch on future areas of research based on morphology of immatures and molecular characters. Sperling, Felix, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9 CANADA; felix.sperling@ualberta.ca
ABSTRACT: One positive aspect of using DNA sequence data is that we don't have some of the problems that are encountered with homology assessment in morphological characters. In fact, it may be relatively easy to tell whether you are looking at the same gene or a duplicated copy. But then the problem of sequence “saturation" rears its ugly head, where multiple substitutions of bases can obscure an original phylogenetic pattern. I will describe some of the analytical tricks that are used to try (with varying success) to compensate for saturation and other problems with homology assessment of DNA data in a phylogenetic context. In addition, I will describe “molecular morphology”, a very promising way to wring new kinds of homologies from DNA sequence data. Stillwaugh, Don M., Pinellas County Environmental Lands Division, Tarpon
ABSTRACT: Located in west central Florida, Brooker Creek Preserve is an 8,300-acre natural area managed by Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Lands Division (ELD). Since 1998, a volunteer-based butterfly inventory and monitoring program, developed by the ELD’s Pinellas County Biological Field Research Station, has provided information on 68 butterfly species found on the Preserve. In 2005 ELD researchers began a macro-moth inventory project. A variety of ecosystems including pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, cypress domes, maple swamps, freshwater marshes and old fields are being surveyed. Methods include blacklight traps, blacklighting using sheets, bait traps and sugar bait trails. Increased knowledge relating to the presence/absence and distribution of our Lepidopteran fauna will enable us to incorporate this taxon into our ongoing management-oriented research. Trujano-Ortega, Marysol [student], and M.A. Luis-Martínez, Cumbres
de Maltrata 648. Col. Américas Unidas C.P. 03610 marysol_trujano@yahoo.com.mx
ABSTRACT: Butterflies are a model group for use in studies of conservation priority. We compared different patterns of distribution of 140 species and subspecies of swallowtail, white and sulphur butterflies in Mexico, using a panbiogeographic method and parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE). We obtained 20 generalized tracks in three patterns: Neotropical, Californian and Nuevo León-Tamaulipan. These patterns overlap in order to obtain Sierra Madre Oriental node. This node represents a very diverse area and contact zone of different taxonomic elements and origins, indicating a complex origin. The Sierra Madre Oriental node coincides with nodes for other taxa. Sharing of this information with ANP (Priority Natural Area) suggests that more studies on the butterflies |