Life history and seasonal distribution of the small salmon arab Colotis amata (Fabricius, 1775) on its larval host plant Maerua apetala in the eastern ghats of Andhra Pradesh - India
Keywords:
Colotis amata, Life history, Maerua apetala, MultivoltineAbstract
The small salmon Arab butterfly, Colotis amata (Fabricius, 1775), showed a seasonal distribution in the Kadapa district and Palakondalu region (14º25'37.65''N 78º52'29.646''E), as observed through field studies of eggs, larvae, and pupae on the larval host plant Maerua apetala, along with laboratory research on their development. It was identified as multivoltine, reproducing throughout the year with increased frequency under optimal environmental conditions. All life stages were recorded from January to December, with the highest abundance during the rainy season from June to October. Eggs were laid in clusters on delicate leaves and hatched within 3 to 4 days. The larvae went through five instars, completing development in 15 to 17 days. Pupation lasted for 5 to 7 days. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, spanned 24 to 28 days. The success rate of development from egg, larva, and pupa to adult ranged from 78% to 95%. The stages of development, from egg to adult, of Colotis amata on Maerua apetala are examined and detailed in this study.
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