The role of chemotactile stimuli in the oviposition preferences of Colias butterflies

Abstract

The legume foodplants of Colias butterflies possess specific chemical components which stimulate oviposition in females of the genus. Different legumes provide different degrees of stimulation, as demonstrated by close correlation between field observations and laboratory experiments with a new behavioral assay. Several generalizations emerge from this study. 1) Chemical preferences for various foodplants are under genetic control in C. meadii, and are at least partly independent of an individual's previous exposure to different legumes. 2) In some cases, chemical cues alone do not allow females to discriminate between species. Long-range search cues may be used to enhance discrimination in such instances. 3) Lupinus, a legume which is not usually utilized by Colias, stimulates oviposition in the laboratory, indicating its chemical affinity with other Leguminosae. The behavioral assay described should prove useful for the future identification of specific oviposition stimulants and deterrents. It is stressed, however, that chemotactile cues are involved only in the final step of oviposition, and that understanding foodplant choice in nature will require in-depth investigation into the mechanics of individual search processes.