Individual trail marking by larvae of the scarce swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius L. (Lepidoptera; Papilionidae)

Abstract

Starting from permanent resting sites covered with silk, the solitary and territorial larvae of I. podalirius spin silk trails leading to feeding sites. It is shown that the silk contains a volatile trail marker. The larvae recognize their own trails and prefer them to those laid by conspecific caterpillars. Trail marking appears to be widespread among larvae of Lepidoptera. © 1982 Springer-Verlag.