Mutualistic Interaction of Lycaenids (Lycaenidae: Lepidoptera) with Ants and their Behavioural Response to the Environment

A maiden survey was conducted to ascertain the lycaenid larva associated with ant species and their coloration change, mud puddling behaviour, wing position, host plants, pollination beneficiary and nectar yielding plant species for lycaenid butterflies. Two aspects of the interactions between the larva of the Euchrysops cnejus and the ant, Componotus compressus were studied in the laboratory. Lycaenids showed their strong mutualistic behaviour with ants for their survival in the environment by benefitting each other. The larval response in delivering the honey dew droplets is proportional to the degree of ants attended. Colouration change revealed that there were two forms viz., WSF and DSF differentiated with markings and spots. The dry season form (DSF) of butterflies was found with markings which were light and a smaller number of spots present on the underside. Places near to water bodies or damp area was preferred by the lycaenids for mud puddling, only males undertake mud puddling in the damp area because they absorb essential elements such as sodium that have been lost during copulation in the form of sperms. Out of 45 species of lycaenid, butterflies recorded in the study area were found with WF, WS, WUHO and WUA position during rest and foraging on flowers but majority of species were found with wing upright and adpressed position at rest. Totally 64 plant species were observed as host plants of lycaenids in which Fabaceae, Rhamnaceae and Combretaceae were most preferred. Out of 24 plant species, Verbanaceace plants was most benefitted by pollination service of lycaenids and they were well attracted to yellow, white and red colour. Most of the lycaenid butterfly species were depend on Zizyphus spp., Tridox procumbens, Celosia argentea, Saraca asoca, Parthenium hysterophorus and Bidens pilosa for their nectar food in the study area out of 30 plant species recorded. Hence, lycaenids are playing a diversified role in the environment for their survival and involves in maintaining the health of environment by their pollination service.