title: Food selection and utilization in a danid butterfly.
abstract: Larvae of the danid butterfly Danaus chrysippus, fed on the milkweeds Calotropis gigantea and Asclepias curassavica grew successfully during the 9-day feeding period and pupated. In the presence of these milkweeds, the larvae preferred to feed on C. gigantea. Their preference was more pronounced during the final 2 instars than during the initial 3 instars. They consumed 605 mg, defecated 308 mg, and converted 115 mg of C. gigantea; those receiving A. curassavica consumed 563 mg, defecated 287 mg and converted 85 mg. They assimilated either food with equal efficiency (♀♀: 46%; ♂♂: 50%). But they differed significantly in their efficiency in converting the assimilated food. The presence of a greater amount of latex in C. gigantea than in A. curassavica and/or the nutritional inadequacy of the latter food may perhaps be the reason(s) for the preference of C. gigantea by D. chrysippus larvae over A. curassavica.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Madurai University P.G. Centre, Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts College, Palni, Tamilnadu, S. India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mathavan
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Madurai University P.G. Centre, Arulmigu Palaniandavar Arts College, Palni, Tamilnadu, S. India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhaskaran