Population Structure and Dynamics of the Tropical Butterfly Heliconius ethilla

• DOI: 10.2307/2989656
• Publication Date: 2006-05-04T17:14:26Z
• Authors: Paul R. Ehrlich; Lawrence E. Gilbert
• Keywords: Heliconius; Dynamics

Capture-recapture studies of a Heliconius ethilla colony occupying ridge in northern Trinidad were carried out over 27-month period. Individuals had limited home ranges based primarily on the distribution pollen sources which visited course daily activity. These fell into two virtually discrete sets, dividing populations rarely exchanged individuals. The size populations, and thus colony, remained remarkably stable entire study, covered about 27 generations. This constancy appears to result from combination high preadult mortality, long adult life, resources turn limit total egg production. STABILITY OF tropical climate is thought allow more species occupy given amount habitat space since each can survive at lower, constant population sizes than would be possible less temperate climates (Pianka 1966). While some data have been gathered support resulting prediction that communities lower mean niche breadths similar (Colwell 1970), above assumptions stability (insect particular) not tested. Many long-term temperate-zone insect Lepidoptera (Fisher Ford 1947, Sheppard 1951, Ehrlich 1965, Brussard 1970). Similar biology butterfly (e.g., Turner 1971) are sufficient length conclusions structures. In many areas present both dry wet seasons year. Therefore any direct comparsion with involves investigations extending least one year, criterion no prior study insects has fulfilled. A major objective this work was provide basic information concerning structure dynamics period time. initiated Godart (Nymphalinae: Heliconiini) December 1969 continued until May 1971. Additional observations made March 1972. H. eastern Panama coastal southern Brazil. It belongs most taxonomically difficult part Helicorims known as silvaniform species. Previous workers erroneously referred numata (Turner 1968), but recent systematics other (Brown, unpublished) largely cleared up previous confusion. Benson (1971) summarizes races ethilla. (race ethilla) restricted forested ridges range where it primary model tiger stripe mimicry complex (Moulton 1909). particular interest they show color polymorphism (Sheppard 1963, 1968) now characteristic mainland pers. comm.). selection for easy access forest reserves found, proximity these excellent research facilities William Beebe Tropical Research Station Simla, Arima Valley. general genus intensively studied (Alexander 1961, et al. 1960, Brower Crane 1957, Emsley Swihart 1967, 1962) also significant choice under past one-half years live vicinity top traces (narrow roads) opposite sides Valley (fig. 1). Andrew's Trace, runs south Pass (figs. 1; 2), area while La Laja Trace side periodically sampled comparative purposes. BIOTROPICA 5(2): 69-82 1973 69 content downloaded 207.46.13.120 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 05:09:13 UTC All use subject http://about.jstor.org/terms