Neptis reducta Fruhsorfer, 1908 is currently recognized as a nymphalid butterfly found only in Taiwan and Thailand, with previously recorded larval hostplant and immature biology involving mis-identifications. The present study recognizes Aphananthe aspera (Cannabaceae) as the sole larval hostplant for N. reducta, and the nymphalid butterfly is the first known lepidopterous insect specialized on Aphananthe.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn recent years, a considerable number of pierid butterflies of the genus Delias have been found from Jinmen Islands, where no available hostplants grow, rendering a proof of cross sea water migration of these butterflies. It is suggested here that these butterflies come from nearby continent of eastern China, visiting the islands for nectar acquisition in seasons when nectar is in short supply because they mostly show up in autumn months. Samples obtained during the survey contained two species, namely Delias pasithoe (Linnaeus, 1767) and Delias acalis (Godart, 1819).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe immature biology and morphology of Catapaecilma major moltrechti (Wileman) from Taiwan are reported. The larva of this taxon is proven to be largely predacious on a few scale insect species attended by ant Crematogester rogenhoferi in satellite nests constructed by the ants, but it also consumes plant material within or near ants' satellite nests in elder instars. The discovery of the food habit of this taxon is interesting as the larva of C.
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