Abstract

RUIZ-GARCIA, Noe et al. Distribution, biological cycle and life table of Eumaeus toxea (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in the physiographic province Coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2015, vol.86, n.4, pp.998-1003. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmb.2015.05.014.

The butterfly Eumaeus toxea is an herbivore that feeds on Zamia paucijuga, an endangered and vulnerable cycad with their populations trending to decline and disappear. The objectives of this study were to determine the geographic distribution of the butterfly and to determine the duration of their life cycle, as well as its survival and reproduction rate when reared with its natural host under field conditions in the physiographic province of Oaxaca Coast. The work was conducted during the period of June 2010 to May 2011. Butterfly distribution coincided with the distribution of their host. Using the technique of single decrement and abridged life table by stages, 47 ± 0.5 days were required for adult emergence, a mean generation time of 51 days, a survival rate of 0.027 to adult emergence with a mortality of 28.4% for the egg stage and 68.8% for the larval stage, and a net reproductive rate of 0.014. Due to the host specificity, low population density and net reproduction rate, the conservation of E. toxea depends on the preservation of its host and the canopy where their populations survive.

Keywords : Cycads; Endemism; Zamia paucijuga; Survival; Reproduction.

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