Phyciodes

Abstract: . Mitochondrial DNA variation was studied in the butterfly genus Phyciodes (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) by sequencing 1450 bp of the COI gene from 140 individuals of all eleven currently recognized species. The study focused on four species in particular that have been taxonomically difficult for the past century, P. tharos, P. cocyta, P. batesii and P. pulchella. A cladistic analysis of ninety-eight unique haplotypes showed that Phyciodes forms a monophyletic group with P. graphica as the most basal species. Of the three informal species groups described for Phyciodes, only one (the mylitta-group) is unambiguously monophyletic. Within the tharos-group, seven well supported clades were found that correspond to three taxa, P. tharos, P. pulchella and a grade consisting of P. cocyta and P. batesii haplotypes interdigitated with each other. None of the clades is formed exclusively by one species. The patterns of haplotype variation are the result of both retained ancient polymorphism and introgression. Introgression appears to be most common between P. cocyta and P. batesii; however, these two species occur sympatrically and are morphologically and ecologically distinct, suggesting that the level of current introgression does not seem to be enough to threaten their genetic integrity. The results indicate that mitochondrial DNA sequences must be used with great caution in delimiting species, especially when infraspecific samples are few, or introgression seems to be rampant.

Abstract: This paper discusses various aspects of life cycle and natural history for the neotropical butterfly, Phyciodes (Eresia) eutropia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) as studied in the field at a mountain wet forest locality in central Costa Rica, and in the laboratory. Emphasis is placed on a description of life stages, larval food plant record, habitat selec tion by adults for egg laying, courtship, and mimetic interaction with other butterflies. The behavior of larvae associated with feeding and defense was also observed under field conditions. It was found that the early stages are very cryptic in coloration and this morphological crypsis is accompanied by various forms of cryptic behavior in the larvae (concealment, curling-up movement, etc.). The egg-adult developmental time in the laboratory is about 46 days when larvae are reared on cuttings of the natural food plant, Pilea pittieri (Urticaceae). Eggs are laid in large clusters on the ventral sides of leaves of this food plant, and although this plant occurs in both dark red and light green forms, females exhibit strong preference for laying eggs on dark plants. Oviposition is generally confined to heavily shaded river bottom forest where the food plant is abundant, but other aspects of reproductive behavior occur in sunlit alleys and corridors of secondary growth. There may also be mimetic association with Ithomia heraldica (Ithomiidae) here. If this is the case, then it is likely that P. eutropia is a Batesian mimic of I. heraldica since observa tions on the appearance and behavior of immatures in the former butterfly suggest palat ability.