Laboratory developmental performance assay for lycaenid prepupae (Lycaenidae)

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Method synopsis

Controlled laboratory rearing of lycaenid larvae to assess developmental performance parameters including mass gain, prepupal duration, and survival under different ant attendance treatments.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Assessing the quality of different ant species as partners of a myrmecophilous butterfly (2001), Oecologia. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Collect late instar larvae for laboratory development
   Late fourth instar larvae of G. lygdamus were collected from the field, weighed and placed individually into 125 ml plastic cups. Ants entered cups via hole near bottom; mesh netting across top prevented larvae from escaping. Larvae were randomly assigned to one of five treatment arenas (without ants or containing one of four ant species).
   Quantities: 125 ml plastic cups, one larva per cup, five treatment categoriesDuration: Collection at late fourth instar stageConditions: Field collection followed by controlled laboratory conditions
   Equipment: 125 ml plastic cups, mesh netting, scales for weighing
2. Laboratory developmental performance assessment
   Larvae supplied with fresh L. bakeri cuttings daily (leaves and either flowers or seed pods, depending upon availability). Approximately equal numbers of individuals of same age in all treatments at any given time. Rearing arenas received natural light from nearby window and overhead fluorescent lighting for approximately 18:6 h light: dark regime. Ambient room temperatures ranged from 23°C to 28°C. Day length extended by approximately 2 h, nightly minimum temperatures were higher than field values by approximately 10°C.
   Quantities: Equal numbers across treatments, daily fresh plant materialDuration: Until pupation or death, daily feedingConditions: Laboratory: 18:6 h light:dark, 23-28°C, elevated night temperatures (+10°C above field)
   Equipment: fluorescent lighting, L. bakeri plant cuttings, temperature monitoring

Typical Equipment

• 125 ml plastic cups
• mesh netting
• precision scales
• fluorescent lighting

Output Measurements

• initial mass
• prepupal mass
• pupal mass
• relative weight loss
• prepupal duration

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used