Chromolaena odorata (L.) King &amp; H.E. Robins (Asteraceae), an important nectar source for adult butterflies

P Vara Lakshmi,A.J Solomon Raju

doi:10.11609/jott.o2504.1542-7

Abstract

Chromolaena odorata is a seasonal weed and grows like a cultivated crop. It flowers during October-December. The floral characteristics such as white to purple colour of florets, short-tubed narrow corolla with deep seated nectar, the morning anthesis and the flat-topped head inflorescence providing a standing platform are important attractants for visitation by butterflies. The florets attract butterflies of five families and sphingid hawk moths. Among the butterflies, nymphalids are diverse and visit the florets consistently; their visits effect pollination. The diurnal hawk moths, Macroglossum gyrans and Cephonodes hylas also visit the florets during dawn and dusk hours for nectar, and effect pollination. Therefore, C. odorata, being an exotic is an important nectar source for adult butterflies.

Highlights

Chromolaena odorata is a seasonal weed and grows like a cultivated crop
This paper describes the importance of C. odorata as a nectar source for adult butterflies
The floral characteristics of C. odorata such as white to purple colour of florets, short-tubed narrow corolla with deep seated nectar, the flat-topped head inflorescence providing a landing platform and morning anthesis suggest that the plant is psychophilous (Faegri & van der Pijl 1979)

Summary

Introduction

Chromolaena odorata is a seasonal weed and grows like a cultivated crop. Chromolaena odorata is a perennial weed in many parts of the world from sea level to over 1,000m in elevation (Binggeli 1999). Disturbance is a pre-requisite for the colonization of an area by this plant and once colonized, it competes aggressively with herbs, grasses, and shrubs in open areas. It is not shade-tolerant and does not grow under a closed forest stand (Francis 2001). This paper describes the importance of C. odorata as a nectar source for adult butterflies

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