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. 1985 Apr;66(1):68-73.
doi: 10.1007/BF00378553.

Oviposition site selection: an aid to rapid growth and development in the tiger swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus

David W Grossmueller  1 , Robert C Lederhouse  1
Affiliations

Oviposition site selection: an aid to rapid growth and development in the tiger swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus

David W Grossmueller et al. Oecologia. 1985 Apr.

Abstract

Female tiger swallowtail butterflies oviposited on the tips of branches exposed to sunlight. Over 50 percent of the eggs had westward exposures, yet only 7.6% faced northward. Over 97% of the eggs were laid below 3 m. Larvae with sunny exposures developed 15 to 35% faster than those lacking radiant input. Leaf curling aided caterpillars in attaining elevated body temperatures. Caterpillars with western exposures had lower survivorship. This oviposition pattern and the thermal behavior of the larvae allow completion of two broods per season in an area where growth-degree-hours are sometimes insufficient for a second brood.

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