Plebejus argus (Lycaenidae). Myrmicophilia

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PG18, 03.08.2007 18:17

The caterpillars of most species of pigeon butterflies are more or less related to ants. The latter are attracted by the sweet liquid secreted from special glands on the 10th segment of the caterpillar's body. But why ants guard pupae and accompany newly hatched butterflies is anyone's guess.…

Argus pigeon (Plebejus argus) - one of the most numerous pigeons of temperate Eurasia-is associated with goosebumps in full:
Their females lay their eggs on various herbs of the legume family, always in places with the presence of ants (Lasius niger, Lasius alienus, Formica cinerea). Caterpillars feed in the evening and at night, during the day they hide among the foliage. After wintering, they pupate in plant litter or the upper layer of soil, under rocks, but more often in anthills, where ants take care of the pupae. Sometimes ants can build a small anthill by covering groups of pupae. It turns out that even after the butterfly hatches, until its wings spread out and become stronger, it is surrounded by babysitters in the form of worker ants.

Pictures:
picture: ___________________________________P_argus_04.jpg
___________________________________P_argus_04.jpg — (142.85к)