Skip to main content
Article
The Effects of Temperature and Daylength on the Rosa Polyphenism in the Buckeye Butterfly, Precis coenia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera
  • Kelly C Smith, Clemson University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-1993
Publisher
The Lepidoptera Research Foundation
Disciplines
Abstract

In North Carolina, Precis coenia that emerge during the Summer months exhibit a ventral hindwing (VHW) with well-defined reddish-brown and brown pattern elements on a light tan background. During late Summer and early Fall, however, individuals begin to appear with poorly defined or obscured pattern elements on a dark reddish-brown background. The present study shows that the Fall (rosa) color morph can be induced by either low rearing temperatures or short daylengths. The effect of such conditions seems to be cumulative throughout the larval life, although animals are much more sensitive during the last 24 hours of larval life and immediately after pupation.

Comments

Published version may be found here: http://lepidopteraresearchfoundation.org/

Citation Information
Please use publisher's recommended citation