Significance of the Oviposition Records of Three Western Ghats Endemics, the Malabar Raven, Papilio dravidarum Wood-Mason, Malabar Rose, Atrophaneura pandiyana Moore and Crimson Rose, Atrophaneura hector Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Abstract

Observations were made on the biology and bionomics of the three Western Ghats Endemics, the Malabar Raven (Papilio dravidarum Wood-Mason), Malabar Rose (Atrophaneura pandiyana Moore) and Crimson Rose (A. hector Linnaeus). The size of the caterpillar (length and breadth), mode of feeding, pupation and emergence were recorded. The biology took 36-40 days for completion in Malabar Raven, 35-37 days in A. pandiyana and A. hector. Butterflies found in different habitats tend to show marked differences in their general appearance and biology as evidenced by the “Ecological races” reported in several species of butterflies. Thorough understanding of the life history and their behavioural patterns of immature stages will help in recognizing geographical and ecological races.