Ecological significance of puddling as a behavioural phenomenon in the life history of butterfly Papilio polytes Linn. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Floral visitors differentially respond to local and landscape grassland features

“…Patches of bare ground can also promote wasps and butterflies (Eilers et al 2013; Szczepko et al 2020). In many cases bare patches have less thatch and thus provide easier nest access for ground-nesting bees and wasps (Brokaw et al 2023) and perhaps easier access to soil nutrients needed by butterflies that exhibit puddling behavior (Ankola et al 2021). A second hypothesized explanation for positive response to bare ground is that less vegetative cover creates more favorable microclimates through increased sun exposure.…”

Diet impacts the reproductive system’s maturation in the male moth Agrotis ipsilon (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera)

“…In Lepidoptera, this energy provides by nutrients taken in the flower nectar (Roy et al, 2017). In addition, some male moths practice the puddling behavior that permits the ingestion of mineral elements, such as sodium, from excrements or puddles of brackish water (Ankola et al, 2021;Boggs & Dau, 2004;Molleman, 2010 ;Ravenscraft & Boggs, 2016). As many nectarivores, it has been discovered in insects that to be assimilated, the sucrose must be hydrolyzed into its monosaccharide components, glucose and fructose, by the activity of the -fructofuranosidase (EC3.2.1.26) also named invertase (Eberhard et al, 2007).…”

“…It is known that sodium is a crucial mineral element for the moths because it intervenes in locomotor function by improving flight (Ankola et al, 2021;Boggs & Dau, 2004;Molleman, 2010) and plays a key role in reproductive function by promoting spermatogenesis and sperm mobility (Mitra et al, 2016;Molleman, 2010;Smedley & Eisner, 1996). Moreover, seminal vesicles as well as conducting channels such as vas deferens are consisted of a thin layer of muscle cells ensuring the progression of sperm (Spiegel et al, 2013).…”

“…Another feeding behavior has been described in males Lepidoptera that consume excrements or puddles of brackish water (Ravenscraft & Boggs, 2016). This puddling behavior does not provide energy-rich elements but rather certain mineral elements, such as sodium, that are essential for the homeostasis of the organism (Ankola et al, 2021;Boggs & Dau, 2004;Molleman, 2010). The sodium collected was found to be necessary for their locomotor activity by improving flight (Ankola et al, 2021;Xiao et al, 2010), as well as in their reproduction notably by promoting spermatogenesis and sperm mobility (Mitra et al, 2016;Molleman, 2010;Smedley & Eisner, 1996).…”

Evaluation of field efficacy of some selected acaricides against Tetranychus urticae Koch on okra

“…The males which puddled for a longer period of time was preferred by females for mating. A study conducted by Ankola et al (2020) revealed that temperature played a significant role in the regulation of puddling activity in Papilio polytes Linn. The puddling rate was highest at temperatures ranging from 26°C to 28°C, and males puddled longer at lower temperatures.…”