Graphium androcles boisduval (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae): Evaluation of biological aspect of the pre-adult stadia at Bantimurung, south Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

G. androcles is one of the endangered butterflies categorized as endemic species in Sulawesi region. This study aimed to determine the biological aspect of the pre-adult stadia of G. androcles through breeding efforts at the laboratory. The study was conducted from July until November 2014. The butterfly eggs were collected from the tourist area, Pattunuang, and were then reared in the laboratory. The larval rearing technique was using covered method placed in captivity. The time needed from eggs to develop to adults varies, ranging from 46-65 days. The time needed for eggs to develop to the larval stage ranges from 5-9 days. Larval stage consists of five instars, and development time is 23-30 days. Each of prepupal and pupal stages needed 2-3 days and 20-25 days, respectively. The percentage of survival rate for egg, larva, prepupa, and pupa to imago stages were 42%, 90%, 100%, and 70%, respectively. The eggs which failed to hatch were 38%, where 12% eggs were harmed by Camponotus sp, and 8% eggs were moldy. Aleoides indiscretus was a parasite that harmed the L4 instar. G. androcles activities in the laboratory and in captivity were behavioral responses as a way to adapt to the environmental conditions.