La vie secrète de Laesopis evippus (Hübner, 1793)
Auteurs : Kan (Pieter) et Kan-Van Limburg Stirum (Brigitte)
Année de publication : 2009
Publication : Lépidoptères. Revue de l'Association des Lépidoptéristes de France
Volume :
18
Fascicule : 44
Pagination : 90-97
Résumé :
Little is known about the ecology and biology of the Spanish Purple Hair-streak (Laeosopis evippus). Studies conducted between 2003 and/ 2009 on a small population of Laeosopis evippus in an isolated part of/ the gorge of the river Endre (South of France), led to surprising/ discoveries. It was found that the most important host plant wasn't/ there the ash tree (Fraxinus angustifolia or excelsior) but in fact/ two species of Phillyrea (P. latifolia and P. angustifolia)./ Newly-laid eggs have a remarkable red colour. Most of the eggs were/ found less than 20cm from soil level. In summer it's hot and very dry/ and in winter the small river is transformed by heavy rain into a/ torrent which floods the river gorge and the host plants. It is/ apparent that the females choose only those host plants which will be/ submerged by the strong torrent of the winter floods. During/ submersion the eggs change col-our and fade to off-white blending in/ with the bark. Eggs that undergo submersion hatch quicker. Once/ hatched the caterpillars are surrounded by and cared for by ants/ (Lasius niger and Lasius cinereus). The caterpillars venture out at/ nightfall to feed. During the day they hide in the leaf litter. In the/ flight period the males perch in a prominent position after 2pm. In/ order to investigate its lifecycle