2008•Deutsche Entomologische ZeitschriftRequires access

Differences in the behaviour of ants towards two larval instars of Lycaena tityrus (Lep., Lycaenidae)

Konrad Fiedler

Abstract

Tetramorium caespitum workers exhibit much more typical symphilic behaviour towards 4th instar larvae of Lycaena tityrus than towards the previous instars. The intensity of this behaviour of ants is much lower towards these myrmecoxenous lycaenid caterpillars than towards myrmecophilous larvae, e.g. Polyommatus coridon. The pore cupola organs are most likely the organs releasing the palpation behaviour of the ants. The larval strategies of myrmecoxenous (avoidance of ant aggressiveness) and myrmecophilous (mutualistic symbioses with ants) lycaenid larvae are compared.

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Key concepts: Myrmecophily, Lycaenidae, Instar, Biology, Larva, Zoology, Ecology, Lepidoptera genitalia