The life history of Tomares ballus (Fabricius, 1787) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): phenology and host plant use in southern Spain

Abstract

The life-history of Tomares ballus in southern Spain is described. In Sierra Morena T. ballus is monophagous and feeds on flowers and fruits of Astragalus lusitanicus (Lam., 1783) (Fabaceae), despite the availability of other potential host plants. The phenological coupling between T. ballus and A.lusitanicus is considerable in Sierra Morena, whereas the flowering period of the remaining potential host plant species is approximately one month later. In the Guadalquivir Valley butterflies show preferences for Medicago polymorpha (L., 1753). Other aspects of the life-history of T. ballus are discussed in relation to the morphological and productive features ofA.lusironicus.