Diurnal Moths Research Articles

Differential responses of bumblebees and diurnal Lepidoptera to vegetation succession in long‐term set‐aside

Summary1. Establishing temporal habitat patches, such as long‐term set‐aside, is potentially a valuable approach to support pollinator populations in intensively cultivated landscapes. The benefits of this approach are expected to differ between pollinator groups, because of fundamental differences in their ecology.2. We studied the responses of two pollinator groups, bumblebees and diurnal Lepidoptera (butterflies and diurnal moths), to the vegetation succession in experimental set‐aside during six consecutive years. The pollinators were monitored in 24 large treatment plots (50 × 50 m), sown with three different seed mixtures (competitive and two alternatives) and unmanaged or managed by mowing, and on 10 surrounding field margins.3. The responses of the two pollinator groups to vegetation succession were distinctly different. Bumblebees showed a very strong positive response to the diverse seed mixture with abundant floral resources, and their abundance peaked in the first year. The species richness and abundance of Lepidoptera were increased gradually, suggesting differential colonization speeds of species and a gradual establishment of populations. Lepidopteran abundance reached the level of the field margins in 3 years, whereas the corresponding species richness level was not reached. The benefits of the alternative seed mixtures were less pronounced in Lepidoptera than in bumblebees. No effects of the mowing treatment on either species group were detected.4. Within both pollinator groups, the response to vegetation succession was associated with species traits. In bumblebees, long‐tongued species (indicating specialization) were increased during succession. In butterflies and diurnal moths, colonization success of species was strongly correlated with their wing span (indicating mobility). The most successful colonizers in butterflies were grass feeders and in diurnal moths the species feeding on leguminous plants at the larval stage.5. Synthesis and applications.The ecological requirements of different pollinator groups should be taken into account when establishing set‐aside. Supporting bumblebees is possible even on short‐term set‐aside, assuming nectar and pollen sources are made available. The occurrence of butterflies and diurnal moths is strongly driven by additional factors, such as the availability of larval host plants as well as adult mobility, which calls for set‐aside management regimes to be in place for several years.

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

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.

Getting the Public Involved in Butterfly Conservation: Lessons Learned from a New Monitoring Scheme in Germany

In 2005 a nationwide monitoring scheme for butterflies (and diurnal moths) was launched in Germany. Coordinated by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, it started as an integral part of the public relations campaign Abenteuer Schmetterling (Adventure Butterfly) with German public television and an environmental NGO as partners. The core objectives of the monitoring scheme are (a) to provide a central element for the analysis of biodiversity and (b) to investigate and develop the role of butterflies as indicators for the state of biodiversity. Both are aims at a regional, national, and European scale. After three years of monitoring (2005-2007), first results and experiences are presented. We show that the use of multiple media (TV, internet, community-level activities) yielded high responsiveness from the public and high recruitment of volunteers. We further show that the quality of data is likely to qualify for scientific analyses of abundances and phenology and therefore possibly for t...

Optimal strategies for insects migrating in the flight boundary layer: mechanisms and consequences

Directed aerial displacement requires that a volant organism's airspeed exceeds ambient wind speed. For biologically relevant altitudes, wind speed increases exponentially with increased height above the ground. Thus, dispersal of most insects is influenced by atmospheric conditions. However, insects that fly close to the Earth's surface displace within the flight boundary layer where insect airspeeds are relatively high. Over the past 17 years, we have studied boundary-layer insects by following individuals as they migrate across the Caribbean Sea and the Panama Canal. Although most migrants evade either drought or cold, nymphalid and pierid butterflies migrate across Panama near the onset of the rainy season. Dragonflies of the genus Pantala migrate in October concurrently with frontal weather systems. Migrating the furthest and thereby being the most difficult to study, the diurnal moth Urania fulgens migrates between Central and South America. Migratory butterflies and dragonflies are capable of directed movement towards a preferred compass direction in variable winds, whereas the moths drift with winds over water. Butterflies orient using both global and local cues. Consistent with optimal migration theory, butterflies and dragonflies adjust their flight speeds in ways that maximize migratory distance traveled per unit fuel, whereas the moths do not. Moreover, only butterflies adjust their flight speed in relation to endogenous fat reserves. It is likely that these insects use optic flow to gauge their speed and drift, and thus must migrate where sufficient detail in the Earth's surface is visible to them. The abilities of butterflies and dragonflies to adjust their airspeed over water indicate sophisticated control and guidance systems pertaining to migration.

Effect of different mowing regimes on butterflies and diurnal moths on road verges

In northern and central Europe road verges offer alternative habitats for declining plant and invertebrate species of semi-natural grasslands. The quality of road verges as habitats depends on several factors, of which the mowing regime is one of the easiest to modify. In this study we compared the Lepidoptera communities on road verges that underwent three different mowing regimes regarding the timing and intensity of mowing; mowing in mid-summer, mowing in late summer, and partial mowing (a narrow strip next to the road). A total of 12,174 individuals and 107 species of Lepidoptera were recorded. The mid-summer mown verges had lower species richness and abundance of butterflies and lower species richness and diversity of diurnal moths compared to the late summer and partially mown verges. By delaying the annual mowing until late summer or promoting mosaic-like mowing regimes, such as partial mowing, the quality of road verges as habitats for butterflies and diurnal moths can be improved.

Flora and lepidoptera fauna adversely affected by invasive Lupinus polyphyllus along road verges

An increasing number of invasive species are changing ecosystems around the world. Road verges have commonly become the first footholds of non-native species in the new environments. Regularly mown road verges also offer habitats for meadow flora and fauna, which in Europe have suffered from the radical decline of semi-natural biotopes due to the agricultural modernization. We studied impacts of an invasive plant Lupinus polyphyllus on the plant and Lepidoptera species composition along road verges. The plant species composition was studied on 15 sites (with 1 m 2 quadrats) and butterflies and diurnal moths along 15 transects (with weekly censuses) in SE Finland, each site and transect representing equally lupine invaded verge and an adjacent non-lupine verge. The species richness and diversity of flora and the cover and species richness of low growing (<20 cm) species, in particular, was lower in lupine verges compared to non-lupine verges. Also, the abundance of butterflies was lower in lupine verges. As the lupine cover approached 100%, fewer butterflies were observed in lupine transects compared to the adjacent non-lupine transects and a higher proportion of individuals were flying. Our results suggest that the changes in plant species assemblages and lower plant species richness in lupine invaded areas had “bottom-up” effects on higher trophic levels. Further studies on the control of lupine are urgently needed, but meanwhile we suggest regular mowing before the lupines have shed their seeds, together with the removal of the cuttings, to be the best management option.

Colour preferences influences odour learning in the hawkmoth, Macroglossum stellatarum

The hummingbird hawkmoth, Macroglossum stellatarum, learns colour fast and reliably. It has earlier been shown to spontaneously feed from odourless artificial flowers. Now, we have studied odour learning. The moths were trained to discriminate feeders of the same colour but marked with different odours. They did not learn to discriminate two natural flower odours when they were presented with the innately preferred colour blue, but they did learn this discrimination combined with yellow or green colours that are less attractive to the moth. The yellow colour could be trained to become as attractive as the innately preferred blue colour and the blue colour could be trained to become less attractive. This is the first proof of odour learning in a diurnal moth. The results show that M. stellatarum can use more than one modality in their foraging behaviour and that the system is plastic. By manipulating the preferences for the different colours, their influence on odour learning could be changed.

Intersection reservations as habitats for meadow butterflies and diurnal moths: Guidelines for planning and management

Regularly managed road verge environments, such as intersection reservations, i.e. non-linear grassland patches surrounded by roads and ramps, form potential habitats for plant and insect species dependent on semi-natural grasslands. The first objective was to compare the Lepidoptera communities of intersections to other open biotopes (semi-natural grasslands, abandoned fields and field verges) in order to determine whether this is true under the present management regime. The second objective was to characterise environmental factors explaining the possible differences between the habitat groups and the most important factors associated with high species richness and population sizes in intersections. Between 2002 and 2003, a total of 97 species and 7250 individuals were recorded in transect counts on 17 sites on both intersections and control areas in SE Finland. There were more species and butterfly individuals in the control sites, the differences being due to the surrounding environment and young age of most intersection habitats. Old intersections with high plant species richness and natural vegetation exhibited the highest Lepidoptera species richness, while soil moisture and mowing intensity were the most important factors explaining Lepidoptera abundance. The spreading of a thick layer of top soil rich in nutrients and the use of non-native seed mixes rich in grasses during the construction phase should be avoided and late summer mowing management combined with the removal of cut material should be applied in intersections.

Montane Andean rain forests are a global diversity hotspot of geometrid moths

AbstractAim Andean forests are known to be a major diversity hotspot for vascular plants and vertebrates, but virtually nothing is known about the diversity of arthropods. We examined whether montane rain forests in southern Ecuador are also a diversity hotspot for arthropods, and chose geometrid moths as a model group.Location The study area in southern Ecuador (Province Zamora‐Chinchipe, 79° W, 04° S) covers c. 40 km2, with 39 collecting sites within an elevational range of 1040–2677 m a.s.l. Thirty‐five of the sites were situated in an area c. 2.5 km2. Additional qualitative sampling was carried out in the same area and up to an elevation of 3100 m.Methods Nocturnal moths were collected quantitatively and qualitatively using portable light towers consisting of two 15 W fluorescent tubes, and diurnal moths were collected qualitatively using an insect net. Insects were sampled in six fieldwork periods in the years 1999–2003. As diversity measures, Fisher's alpha of the log‐series distribution as well as eight estimators of total species richness were applied.Results A total of 1266 species were recorded, 63% of which were identified to named species, whereas the remainder are likely to include many undescribed species. Quantitative samples at light towers collected 35,238 specimens representing 1223 species. The extrapolated species number for these data is 1420 (incidence coverage estimator). Twenty‐one additional nocturnal species and 22 exclusively diurnal species were sampled qualitatively at elevations between 1040 and 3100 m. The pooled value of Fisher's alpha for all quantitative samples is 246 ± 3.Main conclusions The diversity of Geometridae documented here is much higher than anywhere else in the world, even without the inclusion of additional species from adjacent lowland rain forests. The number of recorded species in this small area corresponds to more than 6% of the known world fauna of geometrid moths. Our study emphasizes the importance of protecting the remaining montane Andean rain forests. For setting priorities in conservation, more studies on insect diversity are urgently required in other regions of the Andes, since montane forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate.

Butterflies and diurnal moths along road verges: Does road type affect diversity and abundance?

Roadsides form potential habitats for several grassland species adapted to regular mowing management. We studied the communities of butterflies and day-active moths in 51 sites along the verges of the three road types, i.e., highways, urban roads and rural roads. Despite different traffic densities and widths of the road and verge, the groups were rather similar with regard to soil properties, vegetation structure and mowing intensity. The species richness and total abundance of butterflies (53 species, 5964 individuals) and diurnal moths (46 species, 4626 individuals) were also rather similar in each road type, although a preference for wider verges was observed. Butterfly diversity increased (but not significantly) from the verges of narrow rural roads to wider highways. The highest numbers of meadow species were recorded along highways and the total abundance, especially of diurnal moths, decreased in accordance with the road size. High nectar abundance was the most important factor increasing the numbers of meadow butterflies along road verges, while meadow moths were mostly favoured by shelter provided by tall vegetation. Verges surrounded by cultivated fields were generally related to low numbers of both Lepidoptera groups, whereas adjacent forests increased the total number of all species and favoured several butterflies inhabiting forest edges. The adjacent environment inflicted compositional differences on the Lepidoptera fauna of the three road types. The results indicate that road verges should be considered an important reserve for species dependent on semi-natural grasslands in Finland. A growing interest in accommodating current roadside management for conserving biodiversity is likely to benefit Lepidoptera communities in the verge habitats.

Persistence and regression of hearing in the exclusively diurnal moths, Trichodezia albovittata (Geometridae) and Lycomorpha pholus (Arctiidae)

Abstract. 1. Auditory sensitivities and ultrasound avoidance behaviour of two exclusively diurnal moths were examined to test the prediction that total isolation from the predatory effects of echolocating bats will result in the regression of these sensory systems and/or the defences they evoke.2. The silent geometrid, Trichodezia albovittata, possessed large ears with auditory neural thresholds similar to or better than those of a sympatric, exclusively nocturnal geometrid moth. Trichodezia albovittata readily responded with evasive flight to ultrasound and it is suggested that if this moth has become completely isolated from bats its ears are functionally vestigial, at least in the population studied here.3. In contrast, while the sound‐producing arctiid, Lycomorpha pholus, had low auditory sensitivity based on neural thresholds, it still responded with flight changes to ultrasound. It did not, however, produce sounds when stimulated ultrasonically. It is suggested that the ears of this moth are functionally vestigial for bat‐detection purposes but may be used for short‐distance social communication.

Saranthe klotzschiana (Koer.) Eichl. (Marantaceae) e seu mecanismo explosivo de polinização

The pollination biology of Saranthe klotzschiana (Koer.) Eichl. was studied at an altitudinal forest (brejo de altitude), in the Parque Ecologico Joao Vasconcelos Sobrinho, Caruaru municipality - Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil (8o18'36S and 36o00'00W). Saranthe klotzschiana bears inflorescences with 2.5-5.5 cm in length, and ca. 10-30 flowers, measuring 6-10 mm in length. The anthesis is diurnal with flowers opening at 4:00 h and lasting up to 14:30 h. Each inflorescence bears 4-12 open flowers per day. Each flower produced 1-3 µL of nectar with sugar concentration ranging from 27% to 32%. At dawn, frequent visits of diurnal moths and bees of the families Anthophoridae (Centris aenea, Epicharis (Epicharoides) sp., Mesoplia similis, Rhathymus acutiventris, and R. bicolor nigripes), Apidae (Euglossa truncata, E. carinilabris, Eulaema bombiformis, E. cingulata, E. nigrita, and Melipona scutellaris), and Colletidae (Ptiloglossa sp.) were observed. The bees visited flowers throughout anthesis, with a visiting peak from 6:00 to 11:00 a.m. Hummingbirds (Amazilia fimbriata, Chlorostilbon aureoventris, and Phaethornis ruber) were also observed visiting flowers of S. klotzschiana, beginning at 8:00 h. Before a visit the style is vertically positioned in relation to the ovary due to the tension played by the staminode. After a visit the style is detached, and the pollen is deposited in the proboscis (moth), tongue (bees) or beak (hummingbirds) of the visitor. The large bees and the hummingbirds were considered the main pollinators due to their efficacy on triggering the pollination mechanism.

Biologia reprodutiva e polinização em Epidendrum paniculatum Ruiz &amp; Pavón (Orchidaceae)

Epidendrum paniculatum Ruiz & Pavon occurs in Central and South America. The populations studied grows on rocks of semidecidual forests at the Serra do Japi (Sao Paulo State - Brazil). The flowers are green and white, and fragrant during the day and the night. In the study area, the pollinators are Ithomiinae butterflies and diurnal moths of the family Arctiidae, both reported to collect alkaloids of certain flowers. The tests performed revealed, however, that alkaloids are not present in flowers of E. paniculatum. The pollinators are attracted by the flowers of this species probably due to fragrance and nectar production. The treatments carried out revealed a high level of self-incompatibility within the flowers of E. paniculatum. Due to the tendency of many Lepidoptera to remain at specific micro-habitats, the occurrence of self-pollination is very common. The high level of self-incompatibility, combined with pollinator inefficiency, promotes a strong loss of pollen and consequently low fruit set. The small number of fruits produced is derived from cross-pollination. This fact plus to the production of thousands of seeds dispersed by wind in each fruit, probably is sufficient to maintain of the number individuals constant in the region, genetic variation, and extensive distribution of E. paniculatum.

Secretory trichomes, a substitutive floral nectar source in Lundia A. DC. (Bignoniaceae), a genus lacking a functional disc.

This is the first report of corolla-borne secretory trichomes that substitute in role for a non-functional disc in a species of the neotropical genus Lundia A. DC. (Bignoniaceae). The floral biology and flowering phenology of Lundia cordata were investigated at two remnants of tropical rainforest in northeastern Brazil. This species is a typically omithophilous liana, with reddish, tubular, scentless flowers. The flowers are resupinate, protandrous and last for 2 d. There is a vestigial non-functional perigynous disc and nectar is secreted by glandular trichomes distributed along the internal surface of the corolla. The nectar is stored at the base of the corolla tube, thus showing secondary nectar presentation. The nectariferous trichomes are multi-cellular, uniseriate, with a basal foot cell rooting in the epidermis, one neck cell, and a glandular head with 13 cells on average. Three species of hummingbirds (Amazilia fimbriata, Eupetomena macroura and Phaethornis pretrei) serve as pollinators. Phaethornis ruber, Xylocopa bees, wasps and diurnal moths are considered nectar thieves.

Sequestration of defensive substances from plants by Lepidoptera.

A number of aposematic butterfly and diurnal moth species sequester unpalatable or toxic substances from their host plants rather than manufacturing their own defensive substances. Despite a great diversity in their life histories, there are some general features in the selective utilization of plant secondary metabolites to achieve effective protection from predators. This review illustrates the biochemical, physiological, and ecological characteristics of phytochemical-based defense systems that can shed light on the evolution of the widely developed sequestering lifestyles among the Lepidoptera.

Auditory Sensitivity and Diel Flight Activity In Neotropical Lepidoptera

If the primary function of ultrasound-sensitive ears in Lepidoptera is to detect the echolocation calls of insectivorous bats, diurnal species should exhibit signs of ultrasonic deafness. To test this hypothesis we recorded the 24-h (diel) flight activity of a sample of Neotropical butterflies and moths, including members of the Dioptinae, a reportedly diurnal moth subfamily. All of the butterflies examined were exclusively diurnal and we suggest that these insects are day-locked because they lack the ultrasound-sensitive ears that permit nocturnal taxa to co-exist with bats. Nondioptine moths possess sensitive, bat-tuned ears and exhibit levels of nocturnal flight ranging from complete to mixed day/night activity. Dioptine moths are significantly less nocturnal and significantly deafer than nondioptines and exhibit flight activity patterns ranging from completely diurnal to completely nocturnal. We suggest that diurnality in the Dioptinae is an apomorphic trait that has resulted in a loss of auditory sensitivity in some species but that others may retain functional ears depending on their levels of nocturnality and consequent exposure to bats.

Restoration of a Native Grassland as Habitat for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera; Castniidae) at Mount Piper, Australia

Synemon plana (golden sun moth) is a small diurnal moth from the family Castniidae, now listed as endangered in all regions of southeastern Australia in which it occurs. This study details an attempt to restore the native grassland habitat of S. plana at one site by increasing the cover of its probable food plant, Austrodanthonia eriantha (wallaby grass), to at least 40%, the average percentage cover determined from all currently inhabited sites. The percentage cover of A. eriantha increased when seedlings were planted, although there was no significant increase in cover by seeding caryopsides (dispersal units) or by weeding. However, combining weeding with planting seedlings, or seeding increased cover by 22% and 27% to 43% and 64%, respectively. Two hundred caryopsides per square meter (compared with only 49 seedlings/m 2 ) were required to increase cover to at least 40% due to the low viability of seeds and low germination in the field. Therefore, to restore grasslands dominated by A. eriantha as suitable habitat for S. plana, seedlings should be planted and weeds removed.

Why Do Diurnal Moths Have Ears?

Why Do Diurnal Moths Have Ears?

The Effect of Coal Surface Mine Reclamation on Diurnal Lepidopteran Conservation

Diurnal lepidopteran and vegetational communities were surveyed on 18 reclaimed coal surface-mined sites and five reference, hardwood sites in south-western Virginia. Comparison of lepidopteran communities using detrended correspondence analysis suggested that lepidopteran community composition on later-successional reclaimed sites was approaching that of the surrounding hardwoods. Diurnal moth species richness and abundance increased with time since reclamation, whereas butterfly species richness and abundance decreased. Diurnal moth communities were better indicators of vegetational community composition and species richness than were butterfly communities. While most lepidopteran species commonly found in the hardwoods were recorded in later-successional reclaimed sites, a number of less common species were not observed in them. Therefore, the success of mine reclamation in restoring the full complement of lepidopteran species native to hardwood forest in this region is debatable and further consideration must be given to the long-term effects of current mine reclamation practices.

The biology ofEditha magnifica(Perty 1834) (Hymenoptera Sphecidae)

Editha magnifica (Perty 1834) is a univoltine and subsocial sand wasp that nests in aggregations on vertical earth banks. This species was studied along a dirt road in the Horto Florestal Navarro de Andrade, Rio Claro, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The individuals large size and the lack of size differences among the sexes are particular morphological features of this species. The reproductive period extends from January to May. Females dig the nest prior to spending around 2 weeks provisioning it. Prey species are butterflies, mainly skippers, and diurnal moths, probably hunted on flowers. During the reproductive period males patrol the nesting site flying and hovering around the earth bank. In the reproductive peak, by April, some males can become territorial residents, defending nesting females against patrolling males. Adult wasps disappear by May, but the prepupae remain dormant in their cocoons for 8 months. I hypothesize that the evolution of dormancy in this subsocial species can be related to prey availabil...