Cocoon orientation by Cyana moths on lichen-host trees. (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hawes, Timothy C.
• Is Part Of: Oriental insects. Volume 50:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Acacia mangium -- aspect -- Lepidoptera -- microhabitat preference -- pupation; Insects -- Asia -- Periodicals; Entomology -- Periodicals; Insects -- Classification -- Periodicals; 595.7095
• DOI: 10.1080/00305316.2016.1189857
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-5316

Abstract

Abstract: Lepidopteran cocoons are refuges for the final metamorphic advance to the reproductively active imago stage. Their positioning in the environment affects, and often, determines, the visibility, physical vulnerability and the microclimate of the pupating caterpillar. The location of Cyana moth cocoons on the tree trunks of Acacia mangium Willd was examined in central eastern Thailand. Cocoons belonged to two species, Cyana coccinea (Moore 1878) and Cyana bianca (Walker 1856), but primarily the former. The majority of caterpillars orientated their cocoons facing north (80%) at a height of 100–200 cm (57%) above the ground. Most cocoons occurred singly (63%) but co-occurrence of both two (28.5%) and three (8.5%) cocoons was observed. Microhabitat preferences unequivocally showed an inverse thermal sensitivity to that of many temperate Lepidoptera, with caterpillars opting for sites that reduce, rather than maximise, diurnal solar loading. On the basis of surveys for cocoons, these moths are inferred to have an annual life cycle with a narrow phenological window of c.1–2 months for pupation and emergence.