Effects of human activities on Sericinus montela and its host plant Aristolochia contorta

Abstract

Sericinus montela, a globally threatened butterfly species, feeds exclusively on Aristolochia contorta (Northern pipevine). Field surveys and glasshouse experiments were conducted to obtain a better understanding of the relationship between the two species. Interviews with the persons concerned with A. contorta were conducted to collect information about the site management measures. We found that management practices to control invasive species and manage the riverine areas might reduce the coverage of A. contorta and the number of eggs and larvae of S. montela. Our results indicated that the degraded quality of A. contorta may result in a decrease in S. montela populations by diminishing their food source and spawning sites. This study implies that ecological management in the riverine area should be set up to protect rare species and biodiversity.

The reduced growth due to elevated CO2 concentration hinders the sexual reproduction of mature Northern pipevine (Aristolochia contorta Bunge)

“…During asexual reproduction, the plant stores reserves in the root or rhizome and undergoes seasonal changes, shedding its aboveground parts in winter and regrowing new stems from underground buds annually ( Lee, 2012 ). Additionally, the vulnerable butterfly, Sericinus montela , whose larvae feed solely on A. contorta , underscores the importance of conservation studies ( Park et al., 2023 ).…”

Primary Metabolic Response of Aristolochia contorta to Simulated Specialist Herbivory under Elevated CO2 Conditions

“…Moreover, the specific herbivory by S. montela is highly destructive to the above-ground parts of A. contorta . The larvae of S. montela hatch in clusters and consume significant portions of the leaves during their growth period [ 31 ]. Direct observations have shown that the leaves near the hatching sites of S. montela are nearly entirely eaten, particularly in small plants, leaving only the stems.…”