RESUMO
Anurans vary in body coloration and frequently exhibit color polymorphism, with selection by predation pressure favoring more cryptic animals. Spatial differentiation may also favor color polymorphism in some species, since cryptic morphotypes can use substrates that better match their coloration. Boana pulchella is a polymorphic species with green and brown morphotypes, but its polymorphism remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the functionality of color polymorphism in B. pulchella as a defense strategy. Artificial green and brown clay models were placed in environments with green and brown background to determine if the two morphotypes of B. pulchella experience different frequencies of attacks. We expected that more conspicuous morphs are attacked more frequently. The attack rate, which suggests predation intent, on the models was 9.57%. The marks observed in the artificial models were left by both mammals and birds. The number of damaged models did not significantly differ between the different background environments. The results indicate that B. pulchella morphotypes are equally cryptic to predators in the studied environments. In conclusion, probably color polymorphism in B. pulchella is not operating as a defensive strategy, and other selective forces may be acting in the maintenance of color polymorphism in this species.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Masculino , Anuros/anatomia & histologia , Polimorfismo Genético/fisiologia , Morfogênese , Ecossistema , Modelos AnatômicosRESUMO
Resumen La estación científica de Wayqecha se sitúa en el departamento de Cusco, en el sudeste de Perú, a una altitud de 2900 m (13°10.506'S - 71°35.210'W). En esta estación, encontramos una oruga de Leptotes callanga (Dyar, 1913) (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae : Polyommatinae), alimentándose de flores de Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson (Fabaceae), una planta no nativa, de origen mediterráneo. La crianza permitió obtener una hembra adulta de L. callanga. La oruga en el último estadio y la crisálida se describen e ilustran. Se comenta la adaptación de esta especie a una nueva planta.
Abstract The Wayqecha scientific station is located in the department of Cusco, in southeas- tern Peru, at an altitude of 2900 m (13°10.506'S - 71°35.210'W). In this station, we found a caterpillar of Leptotes callanga (Dyar, 1913) (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae : Polyommatinae), consuming flowers of Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson (Fabaceae), a non- native plant of Mediterranean origin. The breeding allowed to obtain a female L. callanga. Last instar larvae and pupa are described and illustrated. Leptotes callanga adaptation to this new plant is commented.
RESUMO
En la estación científica de Villa Carmen, situada cerca de Pillcopata, Cusco, Perú (S 12°53.687' - W 71°24.232', 533 m), encontramos orugas de Michaelus phoenissa (Hewitson, 1867) (Lycaenidae), consumiendo flores de Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae). La mayoría de las orugas se encontraban en el último estadio (entre 1 y 1.5 cm de longitud), no visibles a primera vista, ya que se alojaban en las flores no abiertas. La crianza permitió obtener cuatro adultos, dos hembras y dos machos y ningún parasitoide. Se compara las plantas hospederas de M. phoenissa con otras especies hospederas del genero de Michaelus Nicolay, 1979.
In Villa Carmen, a scientific station near Pillcopata, Cusco, Peru (S 12°53.687' - W 71°24.232', 533 m), we found caterpillars of Michaelus phoenissa (Hewitson, 1867) (Lycaenidae) consuming flowers of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae). The caterpillars were mostly last instars (between 1 and 1.5 cm in length). They were not visible at first sight because they lodged in unopened flowers. We reared two female and two male adults. None of the immature stages was parasitized. We compare the food plants of M. phoenissa with those of others species of Michaelus Nicolay, 1979.