Natural history and morphology of immature stages of the butterfly Allosmaitia strophius (Godart) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) on flower buds of Malpighiaceae

Abstract

The natural history and morphology of immature stages of Allosmaitia strophius (Godart) are described and illustrated for the first time, using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The available host plant records for the genus were reviewed suggesting a feeding specialization on reproductive structures of Malpighiaceae. Both concentration of resources in the reproductive tissue of Malpighiaceae and the existence of sequential flowering periods may be important factors involved in the evolution of oligophagy in Allosmaitia. Field and laboratory observations showed that larvae of A. strophius are ignored by tending ants besides the presence of the dorsal nectar organ (DNO). Additionally, larvae present some behavioral and morphological adaptations that were proposed as preventing ant attacks, such as dendritic setae, thick cuticle, perforated cupola organs and absence of a "beat reflex".