The tortoise caterpillar: carnivory and armoured larval morphology of the metalmark butterflyPachythone xanthe(Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)

Author(s)

Mota, Luisa L. ^[1] ; Kaminski, Lucas A. ^[2] ; Freitas, Andre V. L. ^{[1, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Museu Zool, Campinas - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Natural History; v. 54, n. 5-6, p. 309-319, FEB 1 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The natural history and morphology of the later instars and pupa of the metalmark butterflyPachythone xantheH. Bates are described and illustrated for the first time. The caterpillars are myrmecophilous and carnivorous, feeding on scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) tended byAztecacf.chartifexForel (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae) ants and appear to be physically shielded from potential ant attacks by a carapace-like body that protects the head and appendages. In addition, the larvae present several types of specialised setae and ant-organs such as perforated cupola organs, glandular openings and functional tentacle nectary organs that may be related to appeasement of aggressive ant behaviour. Our results reveal the first detailed life cycle data for the Pachythonina subtribe and record a new independent origin of carnivory in Riodinidae. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/50260-6 - Structure and evolution of the Amazonian biota and its environment: an integrative approach
• Grantee: Lúcia Garcez Lohmann
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/50225-3 - Natural history, phylogeny and conservation of Neotropical Lepidoptera
• Grantee: André Victor Lucci Freitas
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants