Distribution and heritability of the red raylets in Heliconius erato phyllis (Lepid.; Nymph.)

Abstract

The present report deals with the description of the distribution of the red raylets in populations of Heliconius erato phyllis living in the South of Brazil (Parque Florestal Estadual do Turvo, State of Rio Grande do Sul). This was done during a period of one and a half years. Great variability was observed in the distributions of sub-populations along two little roads inside the forest. Nevertheless, in only two comparisons significant results were obtained. Estimates of heritabilility of the red raylets were done by the methods of regression and analysis of variance: The former was 0·74 and the latter, 1·09; the reasons for such discrepancy are discussed. A consideration of marginal and central populations is brought about by the comparison of this study with a previous one made in a different locality of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. © 1983, The Genetical Society of Great Britain.