Essay On Buckeye Butterflies

Introduction In this study, we explored the concept of different habitat utilization at different life stages using a species of Buckeye butterflies known as Junonia Coenia. The concept of habitat utilization is known as the way organisms make use of the resources in their habitat for successful reproduction and a way to avoid predators. The main objective of this study was to determine if larvae and adults would be found at the same height and distance on the host plant and to compare their habitat preferences. Studies of adult butterflies have shown that they put more energy into reproduction and tend to stay in areas with low disturbance and where food sources and mates are easily accessible (Scott, 1986). Researchers have found that larvae tend to have little dispersion, since they are focused on growth and consuming the nutrients needed for them to complete their full metamorphosis process (Bowers, 1984; Scott, 1986). We hypothesized that Buckeyes at both adult and larvae life stages will show distinct habitat utilization and be found in different areas on the False Foxglove plant. This study measured the height and distance of adult and larvae Buckeyes butterflies that were found on False Foxglove plants …show more content…
The larvae were found frequently at the tip of the False Foxglove plant (Fig.1.), (x2 =36.09, df = 7, P= < 0.0001). Larvae also showed preference to the distal part of the leaf (Subset, 3.36 ± 5.59 cm, N=86) and at higher points on the host plant (Subset, 9.24 ± 8.90 cm, N=86). The adult butterflies were less likely to be found at high points on the False Foxglove (Subset, 48.02 ± 36.02 cm, N=51). We found the p- value to be very significant and to support the null hypothesis of adults and larvae being found in different habitats (Subset of t-test, t= 9.086, df=136, P= <