Population biology of Euptoieta hegesia (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae: Argynnini) in an urban area in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

A population of the heliconiine butterfly Euptoieta hegesia was studied during 15 months on the campus of the Campinas State University, SE Brazil. The data revealed a small and unstable population. The number of individuals captured per day varied from one to 10. The sex ratio was female biased. Age structure was relatively stable throughout the study, with a shift in dry season related to the low number of individuals. Average residence time was of three days for males and one day for females, with a maximum of 14 days for males and three days for females. The average forewing length of females (31.7 mm) was significantly higher than the average forewing length of males (30.5 mm). Turnera ulmifolia was the most common nectar source during the study. The results suggest that the individuals sampled in the study area are only part of a larger and more widely distributed population.