Chaetotaxy of first instar caterpillar of world's smallest butterfly, Freyria putli (Kollar) (Lycaenidae Papilionoidea: Lepidoptera)
Abstract
Freyria putli (Kollar) commonly available in north-west India has been reared on the leaves of its natural host plant, Tribulus terresfris (Linnaeus). Detailed examination of the chaetotaxy of first instar caterpillar has been attempted. Besides discussing position of various setae and lenticles, it has been inferred that the occurrence of subprimary subdorsal seta SD3 from segments T3 to A7; absence of subdorsal group in segment A8 and the peg-shaped L3 seta from segments A1 to A9 appears to be diagnostic characters of the species, under reference.
