MAJOR ARTICLE
TAPROBANICA, ISSN 1800–427X. August, 2014. Vol. 06, No. 02: pp. 110–131, pls. 12, 13. © Research Center for Climate Change, University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia & Taprobanica Private Limited, Homagama, Sri Lanka http://www.sljol.info/index.php/tapro
A COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS OF FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE (PAPILIONOIDEA)
Section Editors: Jeffrey Miller & James L. Reveal Submitted: 08 Dec. 2013, Accepted: 15 Mar. 2014
H. D. Jayasinghe1,2, S. S. Rajapaksha1, C. de Alwis1
1Butterfly Conservation Society of Sri Lanka, 762/A, Yatihena, Malwana, Sri Lanka 2 E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract Larval food plants (LFPs) of Sri Lankan butterflies are poorly documented in the historical literature and there is a great need to identify LFPs in conservation perspectives. Therefore, the current study was designed and carried out during the past decade. A list of LFPs for 207 butterfly species (Super family Papilionoidea) of Sri Lanka is presented based on local studies and includes 785 plant-butterfly combinations and 480 plant species. Many of these combinations are reported for the first time in Sri Lanka. The impact of introducing new plants on the dynamics of abundance and distribution of butterflies, the possibility of butterflies being pests on crops, and observations of LFPs of rare butterfly species, are discussed. This information is crucial for the conservation management of the butterfly fauna in Sri Lanka.
Key words: conservation, crops, larval food plants (LFPs), pests, plant-butterfly combination.
Introduction Butterflies go through complete metamorphosis 1949). As all herbivorous insects show some and have two stages of food consumtion. In the degree of host selectivity (Bernays & Chapman adult stage butterfly mandibles are developed 1994), many butterfly larvae feed on a limited into a tube-like proboscis facilitating feeding on number of identical plant species (Wiklund, liquids. In the adult stage butterflies are not 1975), which is basically determined by the limited to specific plant species for food and chemical composition of those plants (Kunte, many species also feed on non-herbaceous 2000). Though they have a specialization on a materials such as bird droppings. The larval set of closely related plants (Ehrlich & Murphy, stage has chewing appendages, so their food 1988; Ward & Spalding, 1993), their preference type, vegetation, is completely different from of plants and different parts of plants could the adult stage (d’Abrera, 1998; Kunte, 2000). vary among genotypes and among individuals Very rarely some butterfly larvae are with different phenological and physiological carnivorous i.e., Spalgis epeus (Woodhouse, conditions (Wiklund, 1984). The most common
110 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE plant component which is consumed by larvae valuable information for conservation is immature leaves while some prefer mature management of butterflies. Some species are leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds and roots. capable of adapting to novel LFPs to maintain a Behaviors and body structure of larvae are viable population even in manmade habitats, compatible with the plant component that they including certain species that turn out to be feed on. Caterpillars injest a majority of the pests of crops. But highly food-specific nutrients required for growth and development butterfly caterpillars require the conservation of into the adult stage, as well as chemicals their special habitats including specific plants required for the colors and defensive strategies for their survival. The available data on LFPs in their adult stage (Boppré, 1984). of Sri Lankan butterflies is not sufficient for many butterfly species considered to be high At present, Sri Lanka is inhabited by 245 among conservation priorities. The current butterfly species including 26 endemic species. study is focused on presenting an updated LFPs (van der Pootern, 2012; Jayasinghe et al., list of Sri Lankan butterflies based on both 2013). Two new arrivals from other countries published and unpublished data on local have been added to the list - Catopsilia scylla material and eliminating Indian records (van der Pootern & van der Pootern, 2012a), published in local literature. Most of the plants Cephrenes trichopepla (van der Pootern & van in our revised-updated Sri Lanka list are der Pootern, 2012d) and the presence of recorded for the first time. It is our expectation Spindasis greeni was confirmed recently (van that the publication of this list will stimulate der Pootern & van der Pootern, 2012c). Moore further caterpillar foodplant studies, including (1880–1881) documented a small number of preferences and geographic distributions. butterfly larval food plants (LFPs) in Sri Lanka, based on his local studies. Woodhouse (1949) Materials and Methods enhanced this list based on the data given him This work is primarily based on ongoing by E. E. Green, Tunnard, Manders and Wiley. studies initiated by the authors in 2002. Field Although in his account early stages of 191 studies were conducted throughout the island butterfly species have been documented, only with limited access to northern and eastern 80 were based on Sri Lankan material while regions. Observations on butterflies were others were taken from Indian studies, which carried out in all habitat types where butterflies are not purely compatible to LFP preference are found, ranging from dense forests to urban and body color pattern of local butterfly larvae. home gardens. When female butterflies were Also, some plants were not identified to species observed searching for LFPs they were and other plants have not been recorded in Sri followed until they laid eggs. Also, suspected Lanka. Recently van der Pootern & van der foodplants were searched thoroughly, Pootern (2011–2013) published more work on especially when plants showed chewed leaves early stages of selected species including their or the presence of caterpillar frass. larval food plants along with a comparison with historical studies. Eggs and larvae were collected and reared until maturity in captivity with repeated supplement The flora of Sri Lanka consists of 4,143 of fresh plant materials on which they were flowering plant species which some 25% are found. Suitable materials such as sticks, leaves, exotics and 20% represent endemics; this bark, fruit shells, leaf litter and sand were information is based on the series of “Revised provided for pupation. All the necessary data hand book to the flora of Ceylon - vol I–XIV” (e.g. color patterns of different instars; (Senarathna, 2001). More species remain to be behaviours of larvae; durations of different added to the Sri Lanka plant list according to instars and pupa; collected location, date and recent studies (de Vlaas & de Vlaas, 2008; habitat; feeding materials) were recorded in Fernando & Ormerod, 2008). Food of field note books and if available, photographs butterflies makes a significant role in were taken. The lab-rearing studies were determining their distribution, abundance and carried out in Buththala (6.771N, 81.260E), movement (Kunte, 2000) and the availability of Wellawaya (6.730N, 81.099E), Bandarawela LFPs is of prime importance for having a (6.830N, 80.988E), Soragune (6.747N, breeding population in a certain habitat (Vane- 80.893E), Katubedda (6.797N, 79.901E) and Wright, 1978). Identification of LFPs is Malwana (6.968N, 80.006E). These locations
111 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 JAYASINGHE ET AL., 2014 covered the four main environmental this undiscovered list. The other butterfly conditions in which butterflies occur in Sri species are either highly localized (e.g. Lanka, namely low country wet zone, low Graphium antiphates ceylonicus, Libythea country dry zone, intermediate zone, and hill celtis lepitoides, Lethe rohria neelgheriensis, country. The few butterfly species that are Mycalesis rama, Prosotas noreia noreia) or restricted to the northern region were reared at very rare and have not been observed more than Wellawaya. Reared adults were released back half a dozen within the past decade (e.g. into their original habitats. Cepora nadina cingala (D. Podduwage pers. Comm.), Appias indra narendra, Junonia Butterfly species were identified from the adult hierta hierta, Horaga onyx cingalensis, Horaga stage acquired either at the time of ovipositing albimaculata viola, Tajuria arida, Rapala or after eclosing following the lab-rearing lankana (M. wickramasinghe pers. Comm.), study. Taxonomic authority followed that of Nacaduba ollyetti, Gangara lebadea d’Abrera (1998) and Woodhouse (1949). subfasciata, Caprona alida lanka (S. de Silva Nomenclature was used after van der Pootern, pers. Comm.), Potanthus pallida (G. van der 2012 with a single correction (Kawahara, Pootern, pers. Comm.) and Potanthus 2013). Detailed photographs of LFPs including pseudomaesa pseudomaesa). Spindasis nubilus leaves, flowers and fruits were taken with either and Rapala iarbus sorya have not been Cannon 40 D, Cannon 60 D or Cannon 7 D recorded in recent years. fitted with Canon 100mm EF 2.8 Macro USM lens or Canon 100mm EF 2.8L Macro IS USM A total of 480 plant species (more than 11% of lens. The photographs were compared with the total plant species present in Sri Lanka) descriptions of “Revised hand book to the flora representing 70 families are recorded as of Ceylon - vol I–XIV” and “Illustrated field butterfly LFPs in the current study, 462 species guide to the flowers of Sri Lanka vol 1 , vol 2 are identified to the species level while the (unpublished) for identification. remaining 18 are identified only to the genus or family level. In Sri Lanka, 124 plant species All previously published data based on studies (more than 25% of total LFPs) listed in this over the last ten years are also included in this document are exotic, introduced as compilation. Some published historical data ornamentals, food crops, medicinal plants, have not been considered given that the symbolic plants, cover crops, or weeds with relevance of those data had been discussed in some introduced more than 2000 years ago. great detail already (van der Pootern & van der LFPs for 77 butterfly species include at least Pootern, 2011–2013). Unpublished data by one exotic plant. Most of the Sri Lankan other investigators are also included but only if butterfly LFPs belong to the family Fabaceae, verified by detailed photographs. In such cases presently 104 species. The Poaceae take second plant species were identified by the authors. place by having 31 species. Similarly, these Information of authorships may be found on two families are also reported in the top rank in The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) or on the studies carried out at Andaman, Nicobar GRIN (www.ars-grin.gov). The families Islands and Nagpur city in India (Veenakumari recognized here are based on the findings in et al., 1997; Tiple et al., 2010). Axonopus APG-III (2009). compressus (Poaceae) is used by nine butterfly species, the highest number of butterflies on a Results and Discussion single foodplant. LFPs of 207 butterfly species (84 % of total species in Sri Lanka) are listed in this study Though the impact of exotic plant introductions with 785 plant-butterfly combinations. Spalgis on the distribution and population size of epeus epeus larvae are feeding on mealy bugs butterflies cannot be precisely determined (Woodhouse, 1949) and Spindasis greeni is without detailed historical data, the number of assumed to feed on ant brood (van der Pootern exotic LFPs and the number of butterflies that & van der Pootern, 2012c). LFPs of 36 Sri use exotic plants as LFPs implies that these Lankan species are yet to be discovered plants have a significant impact on recent including some common butterflies such as changes in Sri Lankan butterfly populations. Appias albina swinhoe and Nacaduba beroe The recent introduction of the exotic Plumbago minima. Six endemic species are included in capensis as an ornamental plant likely resulted
112 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE in an increase in the population of Leptotes To date only four butterfly species were plinius plinius around Colombo, historically recorded to use a single LFP, each feeding on known from the dry zone (Woodhouse, 1949). an exotic plant. Charaxes solon cerynthus feeds Cycas revoluta is another introduced on Tamarindus indica, which was introduced to ornamental plant that is host to Chilades the Indian region at least 3000 years ago (de pandava lanka, even in the heart of the city of Vlas & de Vlas, 2008). The much rarer Colombo and is the only butterfly species in Sri Catapaecilma major myosotina is regularly Lanka that feeds on gymnosperms. Graphium found to feed on a Psidium guajava in a home sarpedon teredon and Lampides boeticus feed garden at Etampitiya (6.9381N, 80.9870E). It on the alien invasive species Annona glabra has shown a symbiotic relationship with a and Ulex europaeus, respectively. Everes Crematogaster ant, and there may be other lacturnus lacturnus has shifted to the recently plants that are used by this butterfly when the introduced plant, Desmodium uncinatum (de ants are present. Though Notocrypta Vlas & de Vlas, 2008) and now the butterfly is curvifascia curvifascia is found only to feed on common along railroads and abandoned lands Zingiber zerumbet, it is most probable that it around Haputale (6.768′N, 80.957′E) and has other native plants hosts since many Bandarawela (6.830′N, 80.988′E) where the Zingibaraceae species are found in the plant is naturalized. butterfly’s habitat. The endemic Ypthima singala has been successfully reared on Since the initial identification of Catopsilia Axonopus compressus in the lab after collecting scylla in 2008, it appears the species has eggs found on an unknown grass; at present no extended its range to the Mid Hills (Jayasinghe native LFP is known. This butterfly must have et al., 2013) and a breeding population has been a native LFP and further studies should carry observed on another exotic ornamental plant, out to reveal it. The other endemic butterfly Senna divaricata, at Laxapana (6.9271′N, recorded feeding on exotic plants is Mycalesis 80.4841′E) in the western Mid Hills. Now it is subdita, however, only under lab conditions. also found commonly in eastern Mid Hills and it was observed laying eggs at Bandarawela on Many cases are known for when native plants S. spectabilis, which is another exotic plant. that were restricted to a certain region were The latter plant has become naturalized and then planted into another region and then spread up to Wellawaya and the butterfly also became host to a new breeding population of a can be seen in between these locations. butterfly. For example, Crataeva adansonii is Recently it has been collected on a native plant naturally restricted to the low country dry zone – Senna tora – and sucessfully reared to (Dassanayake, 1996), especially in coastal adulthood. Hence its further spreading is areas but it is occasionally planted in the wet expected into the dry zone, where S. tora is zone due to its medicinal and ornamental value. common. In a different example Cephrenes Appias lyncida taprobana uses this plant as its trichopepla has adapted to a native plant, sole LFP and is also restricted to breed in dry Phoenix pusilla, in the dry zone after it was lowlands, however, it also disperses all over the initially found in the western wet zone around country in migratory flights. A continuous Colombo. It is a worthwhile study to recognize breeding population of A. lyncida was observed the status of the Talicada nyseus nyseus, which from 2003–2007 on C. adansonii planted in the was a common butterfly even in 1950’s wet zone at Katubedda. Apparently Appias (Woodhouse, 1949). It’s only known LFP in Sri adults populated a new point locality Lanka is Kalanchoe pinnata, a native plant to discovered as a result of their migrating Africa that is a now pantropical weed. There behavior. Tylophora pauciflora is a rare plant are only two other plant species of this family in the dry zone (Dassanayake, 1983), which is in Sri Lanka; K. laciniata and K. floribunda now commonly planted in gardens in Colombo which are exceptionally rare in the wild and vicinity, for its green leaves. Parantica (Dassanayake, 1999). Perhaps this butterfly aglea aglea readily use this plant as a LFP in also has come here with the introduced plant these areas. There are 41 plant species which and then become naturalized or it was very rare are endemic to Sri Lanka among the 342 native before the introduction of K. pinnata and then plants that are recorded as LFPs. Additional became abundant as the exotic plant spread. studies on butterfly LFPs are needed in protected areas where remnants of pristine
111113 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 JAYASINGHE ET AL., 2014 habitats and the endemic flora could reveal new exceptions. Only 37 butterfly species are using foodplant records. LFPs of more than one plant family. Generalist- feeders are indeed the minority. Neptis hylas Few butterfly caterpillars feed on economically varmona is in the top rank for having greatest important crops, but the impact on these crops number of LFPs (30 species; six families), by larvae are yet to be studied thoroughly. The which is followed by Euploea core asela (29 main crop in Sri Lanka is rice, Oryza sativa, species; two families), Jamides bochus bochus with production of 3,975,000 tons and covering (20 species; one family) and Graphium 740,000 ha of land area (11.8% of the total land agamemnon menides (20 species; two families). area of the country) in year 2012 (Department Having such a large number of LFPs of census and statistics, Sri Lanka, 2013). Rice contributes to the large populations and wide is a crop that is used by eight species of distribution of these butterflies. Among these butterflies, the highest number of butterfly 37 generalist-feeding species many use closely species associated with a agricultural related plant families. Arhopala amantes commodity. However, to date all of the records amantes, Arhopala centaurus pirama, and of these larvae feeding on rice were obtained Zesius chrysomallus feed on many plants from observations in a no-pesticide paddy field irrespective of the family, but always where the at Haldummulla. Only Parnara bada bada has ant, Oecophylla smaragdina, is colonized. been seen in high numbers while other species were found in very limited numbers. Vigna Sixty-seven species out of total 207 butterfly unguiculata and Phaseolus vulgaris are two species listed here are recorded only with one other commercial crops which are suitable for LFP each. However, we suspect there must be Jamides bochus bochus and Jamides celeno more than one larval food plant for many of tissama all over the country and for Euchrysops them and further studies should be carried out cnejus cnejus in the dry zone. In fact, these to discover additional relationships. Notably, three species are pests and farmers rely on only a few species seem to be limited to a pesticides to overcome their larvae. single plant. Among the 67 single LFP species, nine are endemic to Sri Lanka and it is unlikely Some papilionids such as Papilio demoleus to have more than one LFP for many of these demoleus, Papilio polytes romulus and Papilio species. Also, LFPs of only eight species were polymnestor parinda feed on various planted identified up to now out of 21 critically Citrus species, but do not cause severe endangered species (van der Pootern, 2012). damages. Though Virachola isocrates is a pest Five of these species are reported only with a of many fruits in India (Woodhouse, 1949), it is single LFP. The distribution of the critically restricted in Sri Lanka to the fruits of naturally endangered Phalanta alcippe ceylonica in Sri growing Limonia acidissima. Eurema hecabe Lanka is highly localized, where it is known hecabe has some negative impact on Sesbania from wet zone slopes of Knuckles Mountain grandiflora saplings, but the impact ceases Range (approx. 7.381′N, 80.851′E). Its sole once the plant is grown up to a few feet high LFP, Rinorea decora, is endemic to this because female butterflies never fly above such mountain range (Dassanayake, 1996) and is a heights to lay eggs. Though the larvae of exceptionally rare, treated as an “Extinct” Jamides alecto meilichius consume seeds and species in the Red Data List, 2012. Recently, flowers of Elettaria cardamomum it has not Phalanta alcippe was recorded in a forest patch been observed that they are causing any within the premises of University of significant damage. There are many other LFPs Sabaragamuwa (6.710′N, 80.791′E) (S. of this butterfly, in the vicinity of these Morawaka pers. Comm. 2013), where it was plantations. Cheritra freja pseudojafra is previously mentioned only as “It has been recently found on Cinnamomum verum, but it is taken very rarely in Rathnapura District” by very unlikely to become a pest due to its Woodhouse (1949), with no exact location and scarcity. Papilio clytia lankeswara also feeds with some uncertainty. Two other probable on C. verum, but its first preference is Litsea LFPs that can occur in the Rathnapura District glutinosa, which is a common wild plant. are R. virgata and R. bengalensis which are treated as “Vulnerable” and “Extinct” It is evident that most butterflies are restricted respectively in Red Data List, 2012. Immediate to certain species of plants save for few remedial actions have to be taken to propagate
112114 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE the plants of this genus to ensure the Literature cited conservation of this unique butterfly. APG III [Bremer, B., K. Bremer, M. W. Chase, M. F. Fay, J. L. Reveal, D. E. Soltis, P. S. Soltis, Recently, the critically endangered and P. F. Stevens (comp.)]. 2009. An update of Catochrysops panormus panormus was found the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification feeding on Flemingia macrophylla, previously for the orders and families of flowering plants: treated as “possibly extinct” in Red Data list, APG III. Botanical Journal of the Linnean 2012. This plant is quite common in that Society, 161: 105–121. location, but we have only seen a single plant cluster beyond this location. Another six Bernays, E. and R. Chapman, 1994. Host-Plant critically endangered butterfly species are using Selection by Phytophagous Insects. Chapman and Hall Publication, London. fairly common plants as their LFPs. Detailed studies on micro requirements are of prime Boppré, M., 1984. Chemically mediated importance to conserve both these endemic and interactions between butterflies. Pp. 259–275. In: critically endangered species. Vane-Wright, R. I., and P. R. Ackery (eds.). The Biology of Butterflies. Royal Entomological The listing of LFPs for butterflies remains a Society, London. work-in-progress. New reords are yet to be discovered, including, the recording of LFPs d’Abrera, B., 1998. The Butterflies of Ceylon. for the remaining butterflies with no known Wildlife Heritage Trust, Colombo, Sri Lanka. food plants and additional LFPs for butterflies with already known LFPs and to determine Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1980. A Revised micro requirements of those butterflies such as Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 1. food preference, micro habitat requirements, Amerind Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, symbiotic relationship with ants, parasitism, India. and the population dynamics of butterflies in relation to life cycle dynamics of their LFPs. Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1981a. A Revised There is a possibility of adding numerous Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 2. Oxford Poaceae species to the list, since we did not pay and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, India. much attention to this family due to difficulties in identification of species. Finally, it is Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1981b. A Revised recommended that government agencies and Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 3. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, India. other interested parties use these research data in their conservation management of the Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1983. A Revised butterfly fauna in Sri Lanka. Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 4. Amerind Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, Acknowledgements India. We thank van der Pootern for valuable advice, information both in the field and preparation Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1985. A Revised the manuscript; van der Pootern, S. Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 5. Oxford Karunaarachchi, A. Keshan, S. Gunasena, L. and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, India. Aberathne, R. Samanmalee, T. Ranasinghe, S. Wellappuliarachchi, D. Danushka, H. Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1987. A Revised Kularathne, I. Wijewardhane, M. Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 6. Oxford Wickramasinghe, S. Morawaka, D. and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, India. Podduwage, and S. de Silva for personal communications; J. de Vlas for generous help Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1991. A Revised in identification of some plants; and S. Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 7. Thrikawala for the help in writing the Amerind Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, manuscript. We also thank the Department of India. Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forest Conservation, Sri Lanka for giving Dassanayake, M. D. (ed.), 1994. A Revised permission to conduct this research. Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, Vol. 8. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, India.
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112116 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE van der Poorten, G. and N. van der Poorten, Vane-Wright, R. I., 1978. Ecological and 2012b. New and revised descriptions of the behavioural origins of diversity in butterflies. Pp. immature stages of some butterflies in Sri Lanka 56–70. In: Mound, L. A., and N. Waloff (eds.). and their larval food plants (Lepidoptera: Diversity of Insect faunas. Oxford University Nymphalidae). Part 2: Subfamily Satyrinae. press, Blackwell Publishers: 56–70. Tropical Lepidoptera, 22: 80–92. Veenakumari, K., P. Mohanraj, and P. V. van der Poorten, G. and N. van der Poorten, Sreekumar, 1997. Host plant utilization by 2012c. The biology of Spindasis greeni Heron, butterfly larvae in the Andaman and Nicobar 1896 and a review of the genus Spindasis in Sri Islands (Indian Ocean). Journal of Insect Lanka (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). The Journal of Conservation, 1: 235– 46. Research on the Lepidoptera, 45: 119–133. Vlas, J. and J. Vlas, 2008. Illustrated Field Guide van der Poorten, G. and N. van der Poorten, to the Flowers of Sri Lanka, Volume I. Mark 2012d. Cephrenes trichopepla (Lower, 1908): A Booksellers and Distributors (Pvt) Ltd, Kandy. new record for Sri Lanka with notes on its biology, life history and distribution Ward, L. K. and D. F. Spalding, 1993. (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Tijdschrift voor Phytophagous British insects and mites and their Entomologie, 156: 95–101. food-plant families: Total numbers and polyphagy. Biological Journal of the Linnean van der Poorten, G. and N. van der Poorten, Society, 49: 257–276. 2013a. New and revised descriptions of the immature stages of some butterflies in Sri Lanka Woodhouse, L. G. O., 1949. The butterfly fauna and their larval food plants (Lepidoptera: of Ceylon. Second Complete Edition. The Lycaenidae). Part 1: Polyommatinae and Colombo Apothecaries’ Co. Ltd., Colombo. Theclinae, in part. The Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera, 46: 25–49. Wiklund, C., 1975. The evolutionary relationship between adult oviposition preferences and larval van der Poorten, G. and N. van der Poorten, host plant range in Papilio machaon L. Oecolgia, 2013b. New and revised descriptions of the 18: 185–197. immature stages of some butterflies in Sri Lanka and their larval food plants (Lepidoptera : Wiklund, C., 1984. Egg-laying patterns in Pieridae). Part 1 : Subfamilies Pierini (in part) and butterflies in relation to their phenology and the Coliadinae. Tropical Lepidoptera, 23: 22–31. visual apparency and abundance of their host plants. Oecologia, 63: 23–29. van Nieukerken, E. K., L. Kaila, I. J. Kitching, N. P. Kristensen, D. C. Lees, J. Minet, C. Mitter, M. Mutanen, J. C. Regier, T. J. Simonsen, N. Wahlberg, S. H. Yen, R. Zahiri, D. Adamski, J. Baixeras, D. Bartsch, B. A. Bengtsson, J. W. S. R. Brown, D. R. Bucheli, J. Davis, W. De Prins, M. E. De Prins, P. Epstein, C. Gentili-Poole, P. Gielis, A. Hättenschwiler, J. D. Hausmann, A. Holloway, O. Kallies, A. Y. Karsholt, S. J. C. Kawahara, M . Koster, V. Kozlov, J. D. Lafontaine, G. Lamas, J. F. Landry, S. Lee, M. Nuss, K. T. Park, C. Penz, J. Rota, A. Schintlmeister, B. C. Schmidt, J. C. Sohn, M. A. Solis, G. M. Tarmann, A. D. Warren, S. Weller, R. V. Yakovlev, V. V. Zolotuhin, and A. Zwick, 2011. Order Lepidoptera Linnaeus, 1758. In: Zhang, Z.-Q. (ed.) Animal biodiversity: An outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness. Zootaxa, 3148: 212–221.
111117 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE
Appendix 1: Larval food plants of butterflies of Sri Lanka (*see editor’s end note below); **, reported for the first time in Sri Lanka as a feeding plant; *, conforemations of previous studies during this study; L, leaves; S, green stem; F, flowers / flower pods; R, exposed or ariel roots; I, Inflorescence; Im, immature; Mt, mature; En, endemic; In: Indigenous, Ex: Exotic; PC, Personal Communication. Feeding Butterfly species Feeding plant species Plant family Note part Papilionidae Troides darsius Aristolochia indica * In Aristolochiaceae L, S Aristolochia bracteolata * In Pachliopta hector Aristolochia indica * In Aristolochiaceae L, S, F Aristolochia ringens * Ex Pachliopta jophon Thottea siliquosa * In Aristolochiaceae L Aristolochia bracteolata * In Pachliopta aristolochiae Aristolochia indica * In L, S Aristolochiaceae ceylonica Aristolochia ringens * Ex Thottea siliquosa * In L Chloroxylon swietenia * In Papilio crino Clausena indica In Rutaceae L Toddalia asiatica In Cullen corylifolium * In Fabaceae
Aegle marmelos * Ex Atalantia ceylanica ** In Chloroxylon swietenia * In Citrus aurantiifolia * Ex Citrus limon * Ex Papilio demoleus demoleus Citrus sinensis ** Ex Rutaceae L Euodia suaveolens ** Ex PC: S. Umesh Glycosmis pentaphylla * In Limonia acidissima * In Pamburus missionis ** In Citrus japonica ** Ex Papilio helenus mooreanus Toddalia asiatica * In Rutaceae L Zanthoxylum tetraspermum ** In Atalantia ceylanica * In Citrus aurantiifolia * Ex Citrus limon * Ex Citrus maxima ** Ex Citrus sinensis * Ex Glycosmis angustifolia ** In Glycosmis mauritiana ** In Papilio polytes romulus Rutaceae L Glycosmis pentaphylla * In Limonia acidissima ** In Micromelum minutum * En Murraya koenigii * In Murraya paniculata ** In Pleiospermium alatum * In Toddalia asiatica * In Atalantia ceylanica * In Atalantia monophylla In Atalantia rotundifolia ** In Citrus aurantiifolia * Ex Papilio polymnestor parinda Rutaceae L Citrus maxima Ex Citrus reticulata Ex Citrus sinensis * Ex Paramignya monophylla * In Alseodaphne semecarpifolia ** In Papilio clytia lankeswara Cinnamomum verum * In Lauraceae L Litsea glutinosa * In
1 11118 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 JAYASINGHE ET AL., 2014
Litsea longifolia ** En Neolitsea cassia ** In Actinodaphne stenophylla ** En Cinnamomum cappara-coronde En Cinnamomum dubium En Cinnamomum ovalifolium ** En Graphium sarpedon teredon Lauraceae L Cinnamomum verum * In Litsea gardneri ** En Neolitsea cassia * In Neolitsea fuscata * En Miliusa indica In Only in the lab Graphium doson doson Polyalthia korinti * In Annonaceae L Uvaria macropoda * In Annona cherimola * Ex Annona glabra * Ex Annona muricata * Ex Annona reticulata * Ex Annona squamosa * Ex Artabotrys hexapetalus * In Artabotrys zeylanicus ** In Miliusa indica * In Miliusa tomentosa * In Persea americana * Ex Annonaceae Graphium agamemnon menides L Polyalthia cerasoides * In Polyalthia korinti ** In Polyalthia longifolia ** In Polyalthia suberosa * In Uvaria macropoda * In Uvaria narum ** In Uvaria semecarpifolia ** En Uvaria sphenocarpa * En Xylopia championii ** En Magnolia champaca * In Magnoliaceae Graphium nomius nomius Miliusa tomentosa * In Annonaceae L
Pieridae Cardamine hirsuta ** In Brassicaceae Nasturtium officinale ** Ex Capparis zeylanica ** In Capparaceae Leptosia nina nina L Cleome gynandra ** In Cleome rutidosperma ** Ex Cleomaceae Cleome viscosa ** In Dendrophthoe falcata** In Dendrophthoe ligulatus ** En Dendrophthoe neelgherrensis ** In Delias eucharis Loranthaceae L Scurrula cordifolia ** En Scurrula parasitica ** In Taxillus tomentosus ** In Prioneris sita Capparis moonii ** In Capparaceae L
Cadaba trifoliata ** In PC: v. Pootern Capparis grandis ** In Belenois aurota taprobana Capparis sepiaria ** In Capparaceae L Capparis zeylanica ** In Maerua arenaria ** In Capparis brevispina ** In Capparis grandis ** In Cepora nerissa phryne Capparis moonii ** In Capparaceae L
Capparis roxburghii ** In Capparis sepiaria ** In
111219 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE
Capparis zeylanica ** In Crateva adansonii ** In Cadaba fruticosa In Capparis grandis * In Appias libythea libythea Capparaceae L Capparis roxburghii In Crateva adansonii * In Appias lyncida taprobana Crateva adansonii * In Capparaceae L
Drypetes gardneri ** En found only ovipositing Appias galene Putranjivaceae Im L Drypetes sepiaria * In
Capparis brevispina ** In Ixias marianne Capparis grandis ** In Capparaceae L
Capparis sepiaria ** In Capparis grandis ** In Ixias pyrene cingalensis Capparaceae L Capparis sepiaria ** In Hebomoia glaucippe ceylonica Capparis moonii ** In Capparaceae L
Cassia fistula * Ex Cassia roxburghii ** In Senna alata * Ex Senna auriculata * In Catopsilia pyranthe pyranthe Senna didymobotrya ** Ex Fabaceae L
Senna hirsuta ** In Senna occidentalis * In Senna surattensis Ex Senna tora * In Cassia fistula * Ex Cassia grandis * Ex Cassia javanica * Ex Catopsilia pomona pomona Cassia roxburghii * In Fabaceae L
Senna alata * Ex Senna didymobotrya * Ex Senna surattensis Ex Cassia auriculata In found only ovipositing Senna divaricata ** Ex
Catopsilia scylla Senna spectabilis ** Ex Fabaceae L found only ovipositing Senna surattensis * Ex
Senna tora ** In PC: N. Chaturanga Pareronia ceylanica ceylanica Capparis zeylanica ** In Capparaceae Mt L
Azima tetracantha ** In Colotis amata modesta Salvadoraceae L Salvadora persica ** In
Colotis fausta fulvia Maerua arenaria ** In Capparaceae L
Colotis danae danae Cadaba fruticosa ** In Capparaceae L
Colotis aurora Cadaba fruticosa ** In Capparaceae L
Colotis etrida Maerua arenaria ** In Capparaceae L
Chamaecrista auricoma ** In Chamaecrista kleinii * In Eurema brigitta rubella Chamaecrista mimosoides * In Fabaceae L
Chamaecrista nictitans ** In Chamaecrista sp. ** Chamaecrista auricoma ** In Chamaecrista kleinii * In Eurema laeta rama Fabaceae L Chamaecrista mimosoides * In Chamaecrista nictitans ** In Acacia eburnea * In Acacia leucophloea In Aeschynomene americana * Ex Eurema hecabe hecabe Fabaceae L Aeschynomene aspera * In Aeschynomene indica ** In Albizia chinensis ** Ex
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Albizia lebbeck ** In Albizia odoratissima In Caesalpinia hymenocarpa ** In Caesalpinia pulcherrima ** Ex Cassia roxburghii ** In Pithecellobium dulce * Ex Senna alata ** Ex Senna tora * In PC: A. Keshan Sesbania bispinosa ** In Sesbania grandiflora * Ex Sesbania speciosa ** Ex
Sesbania sp. ** Vachellia nilotica Ex Albizia chinensis ** Ex Albizia lebbeck ** In Albizia odoratissima In Archidendron bigeminum * En Caesalpinia bonduc ** In
Caesalpinia hymenocarpa ** In Eurema blanda citrina Fabaceae L Cassia fistula * Ex Entada rheedeii * In Falcataria moluccana * Ex Senna alata ** Ex PC: S. Gunasena Senna surattensis * Ex Calliandra surinamensis * Ex Ventilago gamblei * In Eurema ormistoni Rhamnaceae Im L Ventilago maderaspatana * In Nymphalidae Idea iasonia Parsonsia alboflavescens * In Apocynaceae L
Parsonsia alboflavescens In found only ovipositing Ideopsis similis exprompta Apocynaceae Tylophora indica * In L
Tirumala limniace exoticus Dregea volubilis * In Apocynaceae L
Dregea volubilis * In Tirumala septentrionis Heterostemma tanjorensis * In Apocynaceae L only in the lab musikanos Unidentified sp.
Ceropegia candelabrum ** In Heterostemma tanjorensis * In Tylophora indica * In Parantica aglea aglea Apocynaceae L Tylophora flexuosa * In Tylophora multiflora ** In Tylophora pauciflora ** In Ceropegia elegans ** In L, F Cynanchum alatum In Tylophora cordifolia In found only ovipositing Parantica taprobana Apocynaceae Tylophora multiflora ** In L
Tylophora pauciflora In only in the lab Tylophora sp.
Asclepias curassavica * Ex L Calotropis gigantea * In L, F Cynanchum tunicatum ** In Danaus chrysippus chrysippus Apocynaceae Gomphocarpus physocarpus * Ex L Pentatropis capensis * In Pergularia daemia ** In Cynanchum tunicatum * In Holostemma ada-kodien ** In Danaus genutia genutia Oxystelma esculentum * In Apocynaceae L
Pentatropis capensis ** In Tylophora tenuissima In
111221 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE
Adenium obesum * Ex Im L Aganosma cymosa ** In Allamanda cathartica Ex Anodendron paniculatum ** In Asclepias curassavica ** Ex Carissa spinarum ** In
Cryptolepis dubia * In Gomphocarpus physocarpus Ex Hemidesmus indicus * In Apocynaceae L Ichnocarpus frutescens * In Leptadenia reticulata ** In Mandevilla boliviensis ** Ex PC: S.Gunasena Nerium oleander * Ex Ochrosia oppositifolia * In Euploea core asela Parsonsia alboflavescens * In
Pentalinon luteum ** Ex Pentatropis capensis * In Plumeria rubra Ex found only ovipositing
Ficus arnottiana ** In L Ficus benghalensis ** In Im L
Ficus benjamina * Ex Ficus exasperata ** In PC: L. Aberathne Ficus microcarpa ** In Ficus nervosa ** In Moraceae Ficus pumila Ex L Ficus racemosa ** In
Ficus religiosa * Ex Ficus tinctoria ** In Streblus asper ** In Euploea sylvester montana Gymnema sylvestre In Apocynaceae L
Euploea phaenareta corus Cerbera odollam * In Apocynaceae L
Euploea klugii sinhala Streblus asper * In Moraceae L
Tragia hispida ** In Ariadne ariadne minorata Tragia involucrata ** In Euphorbiaceae L
Tragia plukenetii ** In Tragia hispida ** In Ariadne merione taprobana Euphorbiaceae L Tragia involucrata ** In Byblia ilithyia Tragia plukenetii ** In Euphorbiaceae L
Flacourtia indica ** In L Cupha erymanthis placida Homalium ceylanicum ** In Salicaceae
Scolopia acuminata ** In Im L Hydnocarpus venenata ** En Achariaceae Dovyalis hebecarpa ** En L Phalanta phalantha phalantha Flacourtia indica ** In Salicaceae Flacourtia jangomas ** Ex Scolopia acuminata ** In Im L Phalanta alcippe ceylonica Rinorea decora ** En Violaceae L PC: v. Pootern Cirrochroa thais lanka Hydnocarpus venenata ** En Achariaceae L
Cethosia nietneri nietneri Adenia hondala ** In Passifloraceae L
Viola betonicifolia * In Argynnis hyperbius taprobana Violaceae L Viola pilosa ** In Girardinia diversifolia ** In Vanessa indica nubicola Urticaceae L Urtica urens ** Ex Vanessa cardui Anaphalis subdecurrens * In Asteraceae L
Smilax perfoliata ** In Kaniska canace haronica Smilacaceae L Smilax zeylanica ** In Barleria prionitis ** In Junonia lemonias vaisya Acanthaceae L Hygrophila auriculata ** In
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Lindernia rotundifolia ** In Linderniaceae Justicia procumbens * In Acanthaceae Junonia orithya patenas Lindernia pusilla ** In Linderniaceae L Centranthera indica ** In Orobanchceae only in the lab Hygrophila auriculata ** In Acanthaceae Lindernia anagallis ** In Junonia atlites Lindernia crustacea ** In L Linderniaceae Lindernia pusilla ** In Lindernia antipoda ** In Barleria prionitis ** In Ruellia patula ** In Ruellia prostrata ** In Junonia iphita pluviatilis Acanthaceae L Eranthemum capense ** In Phaulopsis imbricata ** In Strobilanthes diandra ** En Hygrophila auriculata ** In Acanthaceae Ruellia tuberosa ** Ex Junonia almana almana Lindernia anagallis ** In L Linderniaceae Lindernia pusilla ** In Phyla nodiflora ** In Verbenaceae PC: v. Pootern Ageratum conyzoides ** Ex Asteraceae Synedrella nodiflora ** Ex
Hypolimnas bolina bolina Sida cordata ** In L Sida rhombifolia ** In Malvaceae only in the lab Urena lobata ** In
Asystasia gangetica ** In Blepharis integrifolia ** In Blepharis maderaspatensis ** In Acanthaceae Hypolimnas misippus L Dyschoriste litoralis ** In Ruellia tuberosa ** Ex Portulaca oleracea ** In Portulacaceae Asystasia chelonoides In Doleschallia bisaltide ceylonica Acanthaceae L Pseuderanthemum latifolium ** In Strobilanthes diandra ** En Kallima philarchus Acanthaceae L Strobilanthes lupulina ** In Acacia caesia ** In Pantoporia hordonia sinuata Fabaceae L Acacia pennata ** In Celtis philippensis ** In Celtis timorensis ** In Cannabaceae Trema orientalis ** In Aeschynomene americana ** Ex Arachis pintoi ** Ex Bauhinia purpurea ** Ex Cassia fistula ** Ex Centrosema pubescens ** Ex Clitoria ternatea ** In PC: R. Samanmalee Codariocalyx motorius ** In Neptis hylas varmona Dalbergia pseudo-sissoo ** In L Fabaceae Desmodium pryonii ** In Pseudarthria viscida ** In Psophocarpus tetragonolobus ** Ex Pueraria phaseoloides ** Ex Senna alata ** Ex Vigna hosei ** Ex Vigna unguiculata ** Ex Unidentified sp. Nothapodytes nimmoniana ** In Icacinaceae Grewia bracteata ** In Malvaceae
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Grewia damine ** In Grewia helicterifolia ** In Grewia orientalis ** In Triumfetta pentandra ** In Urena lobata ** In Urena sinuata ** In Gouania microcarpa ** In Rhamnaceae Ventilago maderaspatana ** In Wendlandia bicuspidata ** En Rubiaceae Celtis philippensis ** In Cannabaceae Bhesa ceylanica ** En Centroplacaceae Neptis jumbah nalanda Dalbergia pseudo-sissoo ** In Fabaceae L
Nothapodytes nimmoniana ** In Icacinaceae Unidentified sp.
Gaertnera vaginans ** In found only ovipositing Mitragyna parvifolia ** In Mussaenda frondosa * In Moduza procris calidasa Rubiaceae L Timonius flavescens ** In
Uncaria elliptica ** In Wendlandia bicuspidata ** En Parthenos sylvia cyaneus Zanonia indica ** In Cucurbitaceae L
Symphaedra nais Diospyros melanoxylon * In Ebenaceae Mt L
** In found only ovipositing Dophla evelina evelina Diospyros malabarica Ebenaceae Mt L and larvae Dendrophthoe falcata ** In Macrosolen capitellatus ** In Euthalia lubentina psittacus Taxillus incanus ** En Loranthaceae Mt L
Taxillus tomentosus ** In Tolypanthus gardneri ** En Anacardium occidentale Ex PC: v. Pootern Euthalia aconthea vasanta Mangifera indica * Ex Anacardiaceae Mt L Nothopegia beddomei ** In Rohana parisatis camiba Celtis timorensis ** In Cannabaceae L
Acacia caesia * In Fabaceae Polyura athamas athamas Acacia pennata * In L
Ventilago maderaspatana ** In Rhamnaceae Charaxes solon cerynthus Tamarindus indica ** Ex Fabaceae L PC: v. Pootern Croton laccifer ** In Euphorbiaceae Charaxes psaphon psaphon Dalbergia pseudo-sissoo ** In L Fabaceae Entada rheedei ** In Libythea myrrha rama Celtis timorensis ** In Cannabaceae L PC: v. Pootern Ipomoea indica ** Ex Convolvulaceae PC: S. Umesh Passiflora foetida * Ex L Acraea violae Passifloraceae Passiflora suberosa ** Ex
Hybanthus enneaspermus ** In Viloaceae L, F, S Discophora lepida ceylonica Ochlandra stridula ** En Poaceae Mt L
Cenchrus ciliaris Ex Imperata cylindrica * In Ischaemum timorense In Melanitis leda leda Leersia hexandra In Poaceae L
Oryza sativa * In Panicum maximum * Ex Setaria barbata * In Axonopus compressus * Ex Digitaria didactyla Ex Only in the lab Melanitis phedima tambra Ischaemum timorense In Poaceae L Oryza sativa ** In Panicum maximum ** Ex
111124 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 JAYASINGHE ET AL., 2014
Setaria barbata * In Bambusa multiplex * Ex
Bambusa vulgaris ** In Only in the lab Lethe drypetis drypetis Poaceae L Davidsea attenuata ** En Dendrocalamus giganteus * Ex Lethe daretis Sinarundinaria debilis En Poaceae L found only ovipositing Axonopus compressus * Ex Leersia hexandra In Orsotriaena medus mandata Poaceae L Oryza sativa * In Panicum maximum Ex Axonopus compressus Ex Mycalesis subdita Poaceae L only in the lab Panicum maximum Ex Axonopus compressus * Ex Mycalesis mineus polydecta Poaceae L Panicum maximum * Ex Axonopus compressus * Ex Eleusine indica ** In Mycalesis perseus typhlus Poaceae L Leersia hexandra In Oryza sativa * In Cyrtococcum trigonum * In Mycalesis patnia patnia Isachne globosa * In Poaceae L
Unidentified sp. Axonopus compressus * Ex Ypthima ceylonica Cyrtococcum trigonum In Poaceae L
Unidentified sp. Ypthima singala Axonopus compressus * Ex Poaceae L only in the lab Areca catechu * In Borassus flabellifer ** Ex Calamus rotang ** In Calamus thwaitesii * In Caryota urens * In Elymnias hypermnestra fraterna Cocos nucifera * In Arecaceae L Cyrtostachys renda Ex Dypsis lutescens * Ex Phoenix pusilla * In Rhapis excelsa ** Ex Saribus rotundifolius * Ex PC: S. Mindika Calamus ovoideus ** In Elymnias singhala Caryota urens * In Arecaceae L
Loxococcus rupicola * In Lycaenidae Entada rheedei ** In Indigofera tinctoria ** In Pericopsis mooniana ** In Fabaceae Curetis thetis Im L Millettia pinnata * In Pterocarpus indicus ** Ex Lepisanthes tetraphylla ** In Sapindaceae Arhopala abseus mackwoodi Vateria copallifera * En Dipterocarpaceae Im L
Terminalia arjuna ** In Terminalia catappa * Ex Combretaceae Arhopala amantes amantes L Terminalia chebula In Syzygium cumini In Myrtaceae Arhopala ormistoni Vateria copallifera * En Dipterocarpaceae Im L
Terminalia arjuna ** In Combretaceae L Vateria copallifera ** En Dipterocarpaceae Im L
Elaeocarpus serratus * In Elaeocarpaceae Arhopala centaurus pirama Psidium guajava ** Ex PC: D. Danushka Myrtaceae L Syzygium cumini * In Lepisanthes tetraphylla In Sapindaceae
111225 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE
Acacia caesia * In Acacia pennata * In Surendra quercetorum discalis Albizia lebbeck ** In Fabaceae L
Falcataria moluccana ** Ex Calliandra surinamensis * Ex Terminalia arjuna ** In Combretaceae Terminalia catappa ** Ex Zesius chrysomallus Cassia fistula ** Ex L Fabaceae Falcataria moluccana ** Ex Psidium guajava * Ex Myrtaceae PC: D. Danushka Amblypodia anita naradoides Olax scandens ** In Olacaceae L
Ficus arnottiana ** In Ficus benghalensis ** In Ficus drupacea ** In Iraota timoleon nicevillei Ficus microcarpa ** In Moraceae F
Ficus racemosa ** In Ficus religiosa * Ex Ficus tsjahela ** In Catapaecilma major myosotina Psidium guajava ** Ex Myrtaceae L
Dioscorea alata ** Ex Dioscoreaceae PC: H. Kularathne Loxura atymnus arcuata Smilax perfoliata ** In Im L Smilacaceae Smilax zeylanica ** In Dimorphocalyx glabellus ** In Euphorbiaceae Mischodon zeylanicus ** In Im L Gomphia serrata ** In Ochnaceae Rathinda amor Ixora coccinea ** In F
Ixora macrothyrsa ** Ex Rubiaceae F Ixora pavetta ** In Im L Lepisanthes tetraphylla ** In Sapindaceae Entada rheedei ** In Fabaceae Cheritra freja pseudojafra Im L Cinnamomum verum ** In Lauraceae PC: I. Harshajith Senna auriculata ** In Fabaceae PC: v.Pootern Spindasis vulcanus fusca L Cardiospermum halicacabum * In Sapindaceae
Acacia eburnea * In Spindasis ictis ceylonica Senna auriculata ** In Fabaceae L Senna surattensis ** Ex only in the lab Spindasis elima fairliei Acacia eburnea In Fabaceae L
Dendrophthoe falcata * In Tajuria cippus longinus Dendrophthoe ligulata ** En Loranthaceae Im L
Taxillus cuneatus * In Dendrophthoe falcata * In Tajuria jehana ceylanica Dendrophthoe ligulata ** En Loranthaceae Im L
Scurrula parasitica ** In Scurrula cordifolia * En Pratapa deva deva Loranthaceae Im L Taxillus tomentosus * In Arachnis flos-aeris Ex R Arundina graminifolia * Ex Cymbidium aloifolium ** In F Only in the lab Luisia sp. ** Hypolycaena nilgirica Malaxis versicolor * In Orchidaceae I Peristylus trimenii * En F Spathoglottis plicata * Ex F, R Vanda tessellata * In F, R Vanda testacea In Salacia chinensis ** In only in the lab Bindahara phocides Celastraceae Fruit Salacia reticulata * In
Virachola perse ghela Catunaregam spinosa In Rubiaceae Fruit
Virachola isocrates Catunaregam spinosa ** In Rubiaceae Fruit
111126 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 JAYASINGHE ET AL., 2014
Limonia acidissima * In Rutaceae Cassia roxburghii ** In Fabaceae L
Urena lobata ** In Malvaceae F PC: v. Pootern Rapala manea schistacea Ziziphus mauritiana ** In Rhamnaceae L
Gnidia glauca ** In Thymelaeaceae Im L found only ovipositing Rapala varuna lazulina Ziziphus oenopolia ** In Rhamnaceae L PC: T. Ranasinghe Deudorix epijarbas epijarbas Cardiospermum halicacabum ** In Sapindaceae Seeds
Anthene lycaenina lycaenina Lepisanthes tetraphylla ** In Sapindaceae Im L
Nacaduba hermus sidoma Symplocos cochinchinensis * In Symplocaceae Im L
Nacaduba berenice ormistoni Lepisanthes tetraphylla * In Sapindaceae Im L
Nacaduba sinhala Dimocarpus longan * In Sapindaceae Im L
Nacaduba kurava prominens Ardisia missionis ** In Primulaceae F found only ovipositing Nacaduba calauria evansi Vateria copallifera ** En Dipterocarpaceae Im L
Sambucus javanica ** Ex Adoxaceae found only ovipositing Terminalia catappa * Ex Combretaceae Acacia caesia In Acacia pennata In Bauhinia racemosa ** In Fabaceae Derris scandens In Prosotas nora ardates Pithecellobium dulce * Ex F Croton aromaticus * In Euphorbiaceae Calliandra calothyrsus ** Ex Calliandra surinamensis ** Ex Fabaceae Samanea saman * Ex Murraya koenigii ** In Rutaceae Allophylus cobbe * In Sapindaceae Albizia odoratissima In Fabaceae Prosotas dubiosa indica Pithecellobium dulce ** Ex F
Samanea saman * Ex Fabaceae Acacia auriculiformis Ex Cajanus cajan Ex
Canavalia cathartica ** In Clitoria ternatea ** In PC: D. Danushka Crotalaria micans ** Ex Derris scandens In Flemingia macrophylla ** In Gliricidia sepium * Ex Lablab purpureus ** Ex Macrotyloma uniflorum ** In Jamides bochus bochus Fabaceae F Paraderris elliptica Ex Phaseolus vulgaris ** Ex Millettia pinnata In Pterocarpus indicus Ex Pueraria phaseoloides * Ex Sesbania grandiflora ** Ex PC: R. Samanmalee Tephrosia candida Ex Tephrosia vogelii Ex Vigna radiata Ex Vigna unguiculata * Ex Jamides coruscans Humboldtia laurifolia * In Fabaceae Im L
Lepisanthes erecta * In Jamides lacteata Lepisanthes tetraphylla var. Sapindaceae Im L
trichocarpa ** In Alpinia calcarata * Ex Alpinia galanga ** Ex Jamides alecto meilichius Alpinia purpurata * Ex Zingiberaceae F, seeds
Alpinia zerumbet ** Ex Amomum fulviceps * En
111227 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE
Amomum trichostachyum En Elettaria cardamomum * In Hedychium flavescens * Ex Zingiber cylindricum * En Zingiber wightianum * In Zingiber zerumbet * Ex Zingiber sp. Abrus precatorius * In F Abrus pulchellus ** In Entada rheedei ** In Im L Flemingia macrophylla ** In F Jamides celeno tissama Millettia pinnata * In Fabaceae
Phaseolus vulgaris ** Ex Im L Pueraria phaseoloides * Ex Vigna hosei ** Ex F Vigna unguiculata * Ex Catochrysops panormus Pueraria phaseoloides ** Ex Fabaceae F panormus Flemingia macrophylla ** In Phyllodium pulchellum ** In Rhynchosia cana ** In Catochrysops strabo strabo Fabaceae F Tephrosia purpurea ** In Tephrosia villosa ** In Cajanus trinervius ** In Crotalaria incana ** Ex F Crotalaria laburnifolia ** In Crotalaria micans ** Ex Lampides boeticus Crotalaria pallida ** In Fabaceae F, seeds Crotalaria verrucosa ** In Crotalaria trichotoma ** Ex Mundulea sericea ** In F Ulex europaeus ** Ex Aeschynomene americana ** Ex Indigofera tinctoria ** In Fabaceae Leptotes plinius plinius Rhynchosia minima ** In F
Plumbago auriculata ** Ex Plumbaginaceae Plumbago zeylanica In Gouania microcarpa ** In
Ziziphus jujuba ** Ex PC: T. Ranasinghe Ziziphus napeca ** En Castalius rosimon rosimon Rhamnaceae Im L Ziziphus mauritiana ** In Ziziphus xylopyrus ** Ex found only ovipositing Ziziphus oenopolia ** In
Discolampa ethion ethion Ziziphus oenopolia ** In Rhamnaceae Im L
Gouania microcarpa ** In Caleta decidia Rhamnaceae Im L Ziziphus rugosa ** In Tarucus callinara Ziziphus mauritiana * In Rhamnaceae Im L
Ziziphus mauritiana * In Tarucus nara Rhamnaceae Im L Ziziphus xylopyrus ** Ex found only ovipositing Indigofera linnaei ** In Freyeria putli Indigofera oblongifolia ** In Fabaceae Im L
Indigofera tinctoria ** In Amaranthus viridis ** In Amaranthaceae Im L Amaranthus spinosus ** In Coldenia procumbens ** In Boraginaceae Zizeeria karsandra L Sauropus bacciformis ** In Euphorbiaceae Glinus oppositifolius ** In Molluginaceae F, L Tribulus terrestris ** Ex Zygophyllaceae L, fruits Zizina otis indica Desmodium heterophyllum ** In Fabaceae F, Im L
111128 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 JAYASINGHE ET AL., 2014
Desmodium triflorum ** In
Ruellia patula ** In F Zizula hylax hylax Ruellia prostrata** In Acanthaceae
Ruellia tuberosa ** Ex F Talicada nyseus nyseus Kalanchoe pinnata ** Ex Crassulaceae L
Desmodium heterocarpon ** In Everes lacturnus lacturnus Desmodium triflorum ** In Fabaceae Seeds
Desmodium uncinatum ** Ex Azanus ubaldus Acacia eburnea ** In Fabaceae F
Azanus jesous gamra Dichrostachys cinerea ** In Fabaceae Im L
Peltophorum pterocarpum ** In Fabaceae PC: D. Danushka Hiptage benghalensis * In Malpighiaceae Bridelia moonii ** En Phyllanthaceae Bridelia retusa ** In Acytolepis puspa felderi Meliosma simplicifolia ** In Sabiaceae Im L Lepisanthes tetraphylla ** In Nephelium lappaceum ** Ex Sapindaceae Sapindus emarginatus ** In Schleichera oleosa ** In Sapotaceae Udara lanka Persicaria chinensis ** In Polygonaceae F
Atalantia ceylanica ** In Neopithicops zalmora dharma Glycosmis angustifolia ** In Rutaceae Im L
Glycosmis pentaphylla ** In Mallotus philippensis ** In Euphorbiaceae Megisba malaya thwaitesi F Allophylus cobbe ** In Sapindaceae Macroptilium lathyroides ** Ex Seeds Pueraria phaseoloides ** Ex Euchrysops cnejus cnejus Vigna marina ** In Fabaceae F Vigna trilobata ** In Vigna unguiculata * Ex Cycas nathorstii * In Chilades pandava lanka Cycadaceae Im L Cycas revoluta * Ex Atalantia ceylanica * In Atalantia monophylla In Chilades lajus lajus Citrus aurantifolia Ex Rutaceae Im L
Citrus sinensis ** Ex Limonia acidissima * In Acacia eburnea * In Chilades parrhasius nila Acacia leucophloea * In Fabaceae Im L
Acacia planifrons ** In Riodinidae Embelia ribes ** In Abisara echerius prunosa Primulaceae Im L Embelia tsjeriam-cottam * In Hesperiidae Burara oedipodea ataphus Hiptage benghalensis * In Malpighiaceae Im L
Bibasis sena sena Hiptage benghalensis ** In Malpighiaceae Im L
Terminalia bellirica ** In Combretaceae PC: v. Pootern Badamia exclamationis Im L Hiptage benghalensis ** In Malpighiaceae
Choaspes benjaminii benjaminii Meliosma pinnata * In Sabiaceae L
Calamus ovoideus ** En Calamus pseudotenuis ** In Gangara thyrsis clothilda Arecaceae L Calamus rotang ** In Calamus thwaitesii ** In Derris scandens ** In Im L Hasora chromus chromus Fabaceae Millettia pinnata * In L Hasora taminatus taminatus Derris parviflora ** En Fabaceae Im L
Gymnostachyum sanguinolentum ** En Celaenorrhinus spilothyrus Acanthaceae L Strobilanthes diandra ** En
112129 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 FOOD PLANTS UTILIZATION OF SRI LANKAN BUTTERFLY LARVAE
Strobilanthes lupulina ** In Strobilanthes rhamnifolia ** En Strobilanthes vestita ** En Strobilanthe sp. 1 Strobilanthes sp. 2 Mallotus sp. Euphorbiaceae Unidentified sp. Pterospermum suberifolium ** In Berrya cordifolia ** In Grewia damine ** In Coladenia indrani tissa ** In Malvaceae L Grewia helicterifolia Grewia orientalis ** In Microcos paniculata ** In Streblus asper ** In Moraceae Bridelia retusa ** In Phyllanthaceae Lepidagathis fasciculata ** In Sarangesa dasahara albicilia Acanthaceae L Lepidagathis walkeriana ** En PC: v. Pootern Tapena thwaitesi thwaitesi Dalbergia pseudo-sissoo ** In Fabaceae Im L
Dioscorea alata ** Ex
Dioscorea bulbifera ** In PC: R. Samanmalee Tagiades japetus obscurus Dioscorea oppositifolia ** In Dioscoreaceae L Dioscorea pentaphylla ** In
Dioscorea tomentosa ** In Dioscorea alata ** Ex L Dioscorea koyamae ** En Im L Tagiades litigiosa ceylonica Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea oppositifolia ** In L Dioscorea spicata ** In Im L Grewia hirsuta ** In Caprona ransonnettii Grewia damine ** In Malvaceae L ransonnettii Urena lobata ** In Gomalia elma albofasciata Abutilon hirtum ** In Malvaceae L
Garnotia exaristata ** In Baracus vittatus Poaceae L Unidentified sp. Ampittia dioscorides singa Oryza sativa ** In Poaceae L
Halpe ceylonica Bambusa vulgaris ** In Poaceae L
Borassus flabellifer ** Ex
Caryota urens ** In PC: S. Gunasena Cocos nucifera ** In Suastus gremius subgrisea Corypha umbraculifera ** Ex Arecaceae L Cyrtostachys renda ** Ex PC: S. Gunasena Phoenix pusilla ** In Saribus rotundifolius ** Ex Calamus pseudotenuis ** In Suastus minuta minuta Arecaceae L Loxococcos rupicola ** En Axonopus compressus ** Ex
Iambrix salsala luteipalpis Ochlandra stridula ** En Poaceae L PC: R. Samanmalee Oryza sativa ** In
Curcuma longa ** Ex Curcuma oligantha ** En Curcuma zedoaria ** Ex Udaspes folus Zingiberaceae L Hedychium coronarium ** Ex Kaempferia galanga ** Ex Zingiber officinale ** Ex Costus speciosus ** In Costaceae Alpinia purpurata ** Ex Notocrypta paralysos alysia Alpinia zerumbet ** Ex L Zingiberaceae Curcuma longa ** Ex Curcuma zedoaria ** Ex
111130 TAPROBANICA VOL. 06: NO. 02 JAYASINGHE ET AL., 2014
Hedychium coccineum ** Ex Hedychium flavescens ** Ex Zingiber cylindricum ** En Zingiber officinale ** Ex Zingiber wightianum ** In Zingiber zerumbet * Ex Unidentified sp. Notocrypta curvifascia Zingiber zerumbet ** Ex Zingiberaceae L curvifascia Hyarotis adrastus adrastus Calamus rotang ** In Arecaceae L
Bambusa vulgaris ** In Matapa aria Dendrocalamus giganteus ** Ex Poaceae L
Ochlandra stridula ** En Spialia galba Sida acuta ** In Malvaceae Im L
Taractrocera maevius Axonopus compressus ** Ex Poaceae L
Setaria barbata ** In Oriens goloides Poaceae L Unidentified sp. Unidentified sp. Potanthus confuscius satra Poaceae L Unidentified sp. Telicota colon kala Unidentified sp. Poaceae L
Bambusa multiplex ** Ex Bambusa ventricosa ** Ex Telicota bambusae lanka Bambusa vulgaris ** In Poaceae L
Dendrocalamus giganteus ** Ex Ochlandra stridula ** En Cocos nucifera * In L Cephrenes trichopepla Phoenix pusilla ** In Arecaceae L Saribus rotundifolius ** Ex PC: v. Pootern Baoris penicillata Ochlandra stridula ** En Arecaceae L
Coix lacryma-jobi ** In Panicum maximum ** Ex Borbo cinnara Poaceae L Setaria barbata ** In Zea mays ** Ex Pelopidas agna agna Unidentified sp. Poaceae L
Pelopidas mathias mathias Oryza sativa ** In Poaceae L
Coix lacryma-jobi ** In Pelopidas conjuncta narooa Panicum maximum ** Ex Poaceae L
Saccharum officinarum ** Ex Bambusa multiplex ** Ex only in the lab Caltoris kumara lanka Poaceae L Davidsea attenuata ** En
Bambusa multiplex ** Ex Bambusa vulgaris ** In Caltoris philippina seriata Poaceae L Dendrocalamus giganteus ** Ex Ochlandra stridula ** En Oryza sativa ** In Parnara bada bada Poaceae L Unidentified sp.
Note: Plant parts cited in the plant column describe the components of the plant feed on by the larvae. If the larvae does not strictly adhere to a specific state of leaves it is broadly mentioned as “leaves”. However, all larvae, especially the early instars, prefer immature leaves. If it is not specifically mentioned, all the plants were recorded in the field. Plants were considered as confirmed LFPs, if the larvae were successfully reared up to the adult stage. If an observation was restricted to egg laying by an adult butterfly, it was mentioned specially. These types of plants were included only if the plant is closely related to a known LFPs for that specific butterfly or if the adult butterfly searched the same plant to lay eggs. Still, no attempts were made to rear larvae on these plants and their use can only be confirmed by future studies.
*Editor’s end note: The above list of plant names is based primarily on publications dealing specifically with the flora of Sri Lanka and does not take into account recent taxonomic and nomenclatural changes proposed over the last decade or so; see GRIN and The PLANT LIST for more up-to-date information.
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Figure 1: Sri Lankan bird wing (Troides darsius) Figure 2: Sri Lankan rose (Pachliopta jophon)
Figure 3: Sri Lankan lesser albatross (Appias Figure 4: Sri Lankan one spot grass yellow galena) (Eurema ormistoni)
Figure 5: Sri Lankan tree nymph (Idea iasonia) Figure 6: Sri Lankan tiger (Parantica taprobana)
Figure 7: Sri Lankan blue oak leaf (Kallima Figure 8: Sri Lankan jewel four ring (Ypthima philarchus) singala)
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Figure 9: Sri Lankan palmfly (Elymnias singhala) Figure 10: Sri Lankan pale six lineblue (Nacaduba sinhala)
Figure 11: Sri Lankan milky cerulean (Jamides Figure 12: Sri Lankan cerulean (Jamides lacteata) coruscans)
Figure 13: Sri Lankan hedge blue (Udara lanka) Figure 14: Sri Lankan black flat (Celaenorrhinus spilothyrus)
Figure 15: Sri Lankan hedge hopper (Baracus Figure 16: Sri Lankan paint brush swift (Baoris vittatus) penicillata)
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