Seasonal fluctuation and mortality schedule for immatures of Hypna clytemnestra (Butler), an uncommon neotropical butterfly (Nymphalidae: Charaxinae)

I describe the pattern of abundance and a mortality schedule for a population of Hypna clytemnestra huebneri (Butler) (Nymphalidae: Charaxinae) , an uncommon neotropical butterfly inhabiting southeastern Brazil.Over a one year period I gathered data on the abundance of immatures through periodic censuses on 65 host plants, whereas adults were trapped monthly.A marked seasonal variation in abundance of immatures was detected, with a peak during the wet season.Adults were present throughout the year, but at very low numbers.The construction of a life-table showed that the main mortality factors acting upon immatures were parasitoids and predators.Eggs and medium to large-sized larvae suffered higher mortality, characterizing a mixed Type II/III survivorship cuiwe.The data highlight the effect of predators upon larval stage as well as the great impact of parasitoids on eggs, which contrasts to the usually low intensity of egg parasitism reported for temperate species.These results reinforce general trends detected in recent literature reviews for more abundant and/or pest species towards the importance of natural enemies as mortality factors of herbivorous insects.