Larval aggregation in a Neotropical butterfly: risky behaviors, per capita risk, and larval responses in Ascia monuste orseis

Distribution models for Ascia monuste and the host Brassica oleracea var. capitata

“…We showed that the potential areas suitable for both A. monuste and cabbage include countries where both species are currently present as well as countries in Asia and Africa where only the host is currently present. The latter countries that are growing this crop may potentially see incursions and establishment of A. monuste, as has been reported in areas in Brazil (Picanço et al, 2010), Mexico (Liu, 2005) and the West Indian Islands (Alam, 1992 (Santana et al, 2017). Although higher temperature affects the flight A. monuste (> 30°C), flight only ceases entirely above 40°C (Nielsen & Nielsen, 1959).…”

“…Apart from limitations due to modelling criteria, the lack of inclusion of biotic factors can limit the predictive value of species distribution models. The populations of A. monuste are regulated by natural enemies such as birds, entomopathogens, parasitoids, spiders and wasps (Picanço et al, 2010;Santana et al, 2017). Cabbage crops are exposed to weed, diseases and other pests that can lead to losses (Dillard, Bellinder, & Shah, 2004;Fidelis et al, 2019).…”

“…The larvae of A. monuste feed on leaves throughout their entire development phase, causing substantial damage to crops (Liu, ; Santana, Zago, & Zucoloto, ). The adults can then migrate over long distances in search of oviposition sites (Barros‐Bellanda & Zucoloto, ; Hayward, ; Poffo et al, ) and oviposit on leaves in clusters of varying sizes from one to 144 eggs (Santana, Rodrigues, & Zucoloto, ).…”

Larval Aggregation of Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Evidence of Horizontal Transfer of Avermectin

“…Compared to adults, animals in larval stages are vulnerable because of their limited mobility and foraging abilities. Social aggregation is one of the strategies that provide protective and facilitation effects aiding the survival and development of larvae [25], and has arisen independently in diverse animal taxa [26][27][28][29][30]. The majority of insects have immature stages, and the aggregation behaviors of larvae have been reported in many lineages including true flies [24,[31][32][33], sawflies [34][35][36][37], and beetles [38][39][40].…”

“…For example, Clark and Faeth [48] reported that the larvae of Chlosyne lacinia (Geyer) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) developed faster when the group size was bigger, because individuals in larger groups found it easier to overcome the physical toughness of host plant leaves. Santana et al [28] reported that isolated larva of Ascia monuste (Godart) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) showed lower permanency on the host plant than that of aggregations, and large aggregations had a lower predation rate by natural enemies compared with small ones. In addition, Klok and Chown [49] reported that group living of second-and third-instar larvae of Imbrasia belina (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) helped to maintain the body temperature of individuals due to "the accumulation of higher heat loads by the larger masses of large aggregations".…”