EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND PHOTOPERIOD ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF VANESSA KERSHAWI McCOY AND JUNONIA VILLIDA GODART (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE)

Abstract

The effects of rearing temperature and photoperiod on aspects of the biology of 2 migratory butterflies, Vanessa kershawi and Junonia villida were investigated. Cool (20°C) temperatures and a short photophase (10 h) accelerated development in both species, producing small adults with low body weights. Warm (30°C) temperatures and a short photophase also resulted in undersized adults in J. villida. In V. kershawi warm temperatures and a long photophase (15 h) had this effect. Warm and cool temperature resulted in normal adult size and weight at either photoperiod in J. villida. In V. kershawi warm, short or cool, long days produced larger and heavier adults. Development of V. kershawi under short photophases appeared to deviate the sex ratio in favour of females. Exposure to cool, short days (V. kershawi, J. villida) or warm, long days (V. kershawi) during development seemingly produced migration‐adapted adults. Copyright © 1987, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved