[Biology of Methona themisto (Hübner, 1818) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Ithomiinae) adults in public plazas in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil].

Abstract

From April 1992 to September 1993 Methona themisto (Hübn.) adults were weekly marked and recaptured in two downtown plazas in Uberlândia, MG. Females accounted for a third of the 637 individuals marked. Nearly 10% of the butterflies were recaptured, with the maximum residence time of 62 days. The presence of the larval host plant (Brunfelsia uniflora (Pohl) D. Don, Solanaceae) in one of the plazas enhanced a higher abundance of the butterfly throughout the research and a higher proportion of new individuals, and frequency of migrants than the other plaza which lacked the host plant. Methona themisto adults were active through the sampling period with overlapping generations. Its abundance in plazas with polluted air and exotic flora, long adult life, and tolerance to humans in its vicinities place M. themisto among the ones indicated to have its life conditions improved in downtown areas of brazilian cities. Simple managing practices which benefit the lepitopteran are suggested.