Life cycle and natural enemies of mechanitis menapis (Lepidoptera: Ithomiini)

Abstract

The butterflies of the Ithomiini tribe are one of the most-studied biological models of recent years in terms of biogeography, taxonomy, and evolution. However, even though their biology and distribution is better known than many other groups of butterflies, there are unknown aspects of their natural history that would improve our understanding of their behavior, population dynamics, and interactions with their environment. In this work, we studied the natural history of the butterfly Mechanitis menapis mantineus Hewitson (Nymphalidae: Ithomiini), and its natural enemies, in Western Ecuador. We identified three host plants, which are new records for the species in this region. We documented the life cycle and described the morphology of the immature stages, their development time, and studied the factors associated with mortality of these immature stages. Additionally, we identified the parasitoids associated with the species in the study area. In particular, we documented aspects of the natural history and behavior of Hyposoter sp. (Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae), the main parasitoid of the larvae. The results of this work provide essential information for the taxonomic revision of the genus Mechanitis F. as well as the continued study of the interactions between the butterfly, its host plants, and natural enemies.