Life history of Hypolimnas bolina philippensis (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) on Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.

Abstract

Hypolimnas bolina philippensis (Butler) is one of the three subspecies records of Hypolimnas bolina (L.) or the Great Eggfly in the Philippines. Despite its wide distribution range, knowledge of the life history patterns of H. bolina philippensis on its host is lacking. This study aimed to elucidate some aspects of the life history of H. bolina philippensis (Butler) on Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. The description of the duration, habits, behavior, and morphological characteristics of the various stages of development of H. bolina philippensis on I. batatas was studied under laboratory conditions using first- and second-generation individuals. Based on the results, H. bolina philippensis completed its life cycle on I. batatas in 51–81 days with an egg incubation period of 4–5 days, larval period of 25–39 days having six instars, pupal period of 8–11 days and the female longevity of 10–17 days while 8–14 days for males. Each stage of development possessed distinct characteristics and habits. The eggs were laid in clusters on I. batatas leaves that were dome-shaped, pale to yellow green, and ribbed. Larvae have orange heads and brown bodies covered with urticating setae. Young larvae were gregarious but become solitary as they mature and feed actively at night. The obtect pupa was brown blotched with black, which turned into dark brown before emergence. Male butterflies have dark indigo-blue wings, while females generally have dark-olivaceous brown wings. Mating occured two to three days after emergence. Female butterflies lived longer than males. The adult sex ratio during the study was variable. The description of the life history traits of H. bolina philippensis in this study can be a baseline to compare and study the other subspecies. In addition, local butterfly farms can further utilize the study results to improve the mass production of H. bolina philippensis. However, more investigations on the biology and ecology of other subspecies should be done to compare better and understand how the different subspecies adapt to fluctuating global climate conditions, especially in the Philippine setting.