Leptotes callanga (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae) breeding on Genista monspessulana (Fabaceae introduced of Mediterranean origin) in South Perú

Abstract

The Wayqecha scientific station is located in the department of Cusco, in southeastern Peru, at an altitude of 2900 m (13°10.506'S - 71°35.210'W). In this station, we found a caterpillar of Leptotes callanga (Dyar, 1913) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae), consuming flowers of Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson (Fabaceae), a non- native plant of Mediterranean origin. The breeding allowed to obtain a female L. callanga. Last instar larvae and pupa are described and illustrated. Leptotes callanga adaptation to this new plant is commented.