Authors: Brewster, Adrienne L. E.; Otis, Gard W.

Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 102, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 105-114(10)

Publisher: Entomological Society of America

Abstract:

Butterfly species used for live exhibition differ in life span, encounter rate, behavior, and cost. By knowing which species are more cost-effective, exhibitors can customize their butterfly imports and purchase butterfly species that provide the best return on their investment. We used mark-recapture techniques to estimate mean life span and encounter rates for 39 butterfly species commonly purchased by exhibitors. In addition, the behavior of 29 species was quantified and characterized as suitable versus unsuitable by direct observation. The data were combined to calculate 1) the total number of days of suitable performance to be expected from a species, and 2) the cost per individual per day based on the number of expected suitable days. The most cost-effective butterfly relative to others in this study was Heliconius hecale F. (total suitable days, 33.4; cost per day, 0300.05); the least cost-effective species was Doleschallia bisaltide Cramer (total suitable days, 0.1; cost per day, 03013.15). By using this protocol, exhibitors can selectively incorporate more cost-effective species, save money on imports, and improve the visual appeal of their live exhibits.

Keywords: butterfly; longevity; behavior; cost-effective; mark-recapture

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/029.102.0115

Publication date: 2009-02-01

More about this publication?

• Journal of Economic Entomology is published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The journal publishes articles on the economic significance of insects and is divided into the following sections: apiculture & social insects; arthropods in relation to plant disease; forum; insecticide resistance and resistance management; ecotoxicology; biological and microbial control; ecology and behavior; sampling and biostatistics; household and structural insects; medical entomology; molecular entomology; veterinary entomology; forest entomology; horticultural entomology; field and forage crops, and small grains; stored-product; commodity treatment and quarantine entomology; and plant resistance. In addition to research papers, Journal of Economic Entomology publishes Letters to the Editor, interpretive articles in a Forum section, Short Communications, Rapid Communications, and Book Reviews.
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