Larval survival tracking on multiple host species (Pieridae)

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Method synopsis

Eggs and larvae were monitored from oviposition through pre-pupal development on native and non-native host plants to quantify survival differences and fitness consequences of host choice.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 2 papers using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Fitness costs of butterfly oviposition on a lethal non-native plant in a mixed native and non-native plant community (2013), Oecologia. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Monitor larval survival - Survey I
   Selected 15 plots of 1-10 m² containing C. cordifolia, De. incana, or T. arvense. Searched for eggs every 2-3 days, numbered and recorded location and developmental stage of each larva found, tracked until larva pupated or disappeared.
   Quantities: 15 plots, 1-10 m² each, observations every 2-3 daysDuration: 2002 seasonConditions: Field conditions during growing season
2. Monitor larval survival - Survey II
   Selected 50 plants in each of same 15 plots as Survey I. Recorded larval survival along with host plant species, plant height, density of surrounding plants, ground cover, and insolation level (sun or shade). Estimated plant density using 1-m² grid centered at focal plant.
   Quantities: 50 plants per plot, 15 plots total, 1-m² grid for density estimationDuration: 2005 seasonConditions: Field conditions during growing season
   Equipment: 1-m² grid
3. Cage females for oviposition
   Individually caged females with individual host plants in study patches until oviposition occurred. After oviposition, removed cages, released females, and observed resulting larvae as in natural observations.
   Quantities: 79, 96, and 9 eggs placed experimentally in 2002; 233, 117, and 97 eggs in 2005 on C. cordifolia, De. incana, and T. arvense respectively

Typical Equipment

• Individual cages
• 1-m² grid

Output Measurements

• larval survival rates
• developmental stage timing
• fitness costs

Papers Using This Protocol (2)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used