Population studies of Urbanus esta Evans 1952 (Hesperiidae, Lepidoptera) in Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC. (Fabaceae) and their natural enemies, in Serra do Japi, Jundiaí - SP

Author(s)

Maíce Siqueira Franco

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
• Defense date: 2013-12-17

Examining board members

João Vasconcellos Neto; Jober Fernando Sobczak; Valmir Antonio Costa

• Advisor: Gustavo Quevedo Romero; João Vasconcellos Neto

Abstract

Populations interact with each other, having competition for resources and this leads to fluctuations in the abundance of individuals. The tritrophic interactions between plants, herbivores and parasitoids quantitatively influence activities of an adjacent level. Studies of this interaction are important for a better understanding of population dynamics and study of the biology of the individuals involved. This research aimed to analyze the interaction between the legume Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC., the butterfly Urbanus esta Evans 1952 and their parasitoids, as the third trophic level. D. uncinatum presents uncinate trichomes throughout extension stem as a defense structure against herbivores, trapping them. However, U. esta larvae can overcome this mechanical barrier, cutting the trichomes with its jaws developed, while sending silk, facilitating its displacement by the stem. Nevertheless, this kind of butterfly is controlled by egg parasitoids (Trichogramma sp. ¿ Chalcidoidea: Trichogrammatidae) and larvae parasitoids (Xanthocampoplex sp. ¿ Ichneumonidae and Chrysotachina sp. - Tachinidae). It was found that D. uncinatum has well-defined seasonality throughout the year, which a development peak in the rain season; at the beginning of the dry season the plant reproduces and, shortly after this phase the plant dries, leaving only the rhizome. This plant is most attacked by herbivores in the fall season, period before the dry season, because after this period plant dry and limit the development of herbivores. Therefore, meteorological variables influence the phenology of D. uncinatum, which influence the herbivores¿ dynamics and, consequently, of their parasitoids. In addition to the parasitoids regulating phytophagous insects, uncinate trichomes presents in this plant are efficient defense structures, trapping several species of herbivores. However, animals that remain adhered to the trichomes no significant nutritional contribution to the plant. Such as, thomisid spiders (Misumenops argenteus), which feed on insects adhering to trichomes and defecate on the plant, not nutritionally contribute to the plant significantly (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/14436-7 - Populational studies of Urbanus sp (Hesperidae, Lepidoptera) in Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC. (Fabaceae) and theirs natural enemies, Serra do Japi, Jundiai - SP
• Grantee: Maíce Siqueira Franco
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master