Aspectos da biologia e ocorrência de Rekoa marius (Lucas, 1857) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae Eumaeini) em Pleroma heteromallum (D. Don) D. Don (Melastomataceae)

Abstract

Biological aspects and occurrence of Rekoa marius (Lucas, 1857) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Eumaeini) on Pleroma heteromallum (D. Don) D.Don (Melastomataceae). Lycaenidae is the second largest butterfly family of Lepidoptera, including more than 6.000 species, and is described widely distributed. Diverse and abundant in the neotropical region, the subfamily Theclinae reunite species that are characterized by the presence of extensions, called tails, in the anal region from posterior wings. Most of these butterflies are polyphagous/ polyphytophagic and can be found in many plants families. In addition, it maintains symbiotic interaction with ants. Despite the licenids are extensively studied in the North America, South American species, mainly from the Northeast region of Brazil, still remain poor documented. Given that, the main goal of this study is, therefore, to contribute to fill this knowledge gap, providing the characterization of the post-embryonic development of a species of Lycaenidae feeding on phanerogamous in laboratory conditions, in which the following specific objectives are explored: 1) establishing the number of instars and their duration; (2) description of aspects of the behavior of immature forms (larvae and pupae) and adult females; (3) species confirmation; and (4) expansion of the area of its geographic distribution. Eggs (n = 26) were collected from Melastomataceae, at Campus A. C. Simões, Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL). Then, the eggs were carried out to the Insect Bioecology Laboratory, at the Institute of Biological and Health Sciences (LABIN-ICBS-UFAL) for analysis, under stereomicroscope, in order to check their viability conditions. The immatures were maintained in two types of containers: acrylic, for eggs and larvae; and cage bernadete for pupae. There was daily offer of food to the larvae. The biological events of development were recorded in specific worksheet. Butterfly was identified as Rekoa marius (Lucas, 1857); the egg parasitoid as Telenomus sp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae); and the plant as Pleroma heteromallum (D. Don) D.Don. Rekoa marius females lay their eggs on the surface of flower buds at the beginning of its development. Right after hatching, the larvae feed on young buds and then on more developed buds and, finally, on the petals of P. heteromallum, when starting to get a color that varies from lightyellow to purple. First instar lasted, on average, 5,5 ± 1,2 days and the larvae exhibit a lightyellow color. The second lasted 4,1 ± 0,7 days with the larvae beginning to feed on the most developed flower buds with visible petals and exhibited a pink color. On the third instar, which lasted 4,6 ± 0,5 days, the larvae began to feed beyond to the petals, of the stamens and stigma and get a purple color. The fourth instar lasted 6,1 ± 0,7 days and the larvae showed a preference for petals. At this stage, it was possible to observe the dorsal nectar organ. The duration of the total larval period was 22,2 ± 1,2 days. Prepupa lasted 1,9 ± 0,5 days and the color of the integument varied from purple to light-yellow. The pupal period lasted 9,9 ± 0,5 days, and after ecdysis, the body cuticle kept adhered to the cephalic capsule remaining joined. Pupae emitted an intermittent sound, similar a snap. About 24 hours before the adult emerged, the integument was wrinkled and darkened. Post-embryonic development lasted 32,1 ± 1,1 days. Among viable eggs, 34,78% were with Telenomus sp., solitary parasitoid (only an individual per egg). This study reports, for the first time, the occurrence of R. marius for the Alagoas State, with description of its post-embryonic development and confirm four instars for the larval period; records P. heteromallum as a food plant for the larvae, specifying the ingestion of floral structures; and Telenomus sp. on eggs as a natural enemy.