• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.50-53
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• 2016

The size of head capsule is one of the most important factors for identifying developmental stage. In order to understand the developmental characteristics of the butterfly Atrophaneura alcinous, we examined fluctuations in larval head capsule size under three different temperature conditions (20, 25, and $30^{\circ}C$) and 60% humidity. As a result, larvae developed to the fifth instar at all three temperatures. The head capsule size of larvae tended to be larger at the lowest temperature and smaller at the highest temperature. The development rate showed a regular change, consistent with Dyar's rule regarding head capsule size development. Furthermore, the development of head capsule size was found to correspond to a second degree polynomial regression better than to a linear regression. On the basis of these results, it would appear to be possible to perform an accurate assessment of instar status during the development of A. alcinous.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.159-162
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• 2012

The Chinese windmill butterfly, Atrophaneura alcinous, is an important butterfly for exhibition in butterfly garden. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of temperature on A. alcinous in the laboratory. Development of A. alcinous reared on leaves of Aristolochia contorta was investigated at five constant the laboratory condition (20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 and $30^{\circ}C$) and at relative humidity of 60% with a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D). Temperatures have been suggested as an important determinant of developmental rate, lifespan and mortality in invertebrates. As the temperature increased, the length of the developmental period gradually decreased. The developmental time (pupation) from egg hatching to pupation was respectively 25.8, 23.6, 19.6, 15.5, and 12.9 days at the temperatures of 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 and $30^{\circ}C$. And pupation was respectively 40.0, 30.0, 63.4, 50.0, 23.3% at the temperatures of 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 and $30^{\circ}C$. The developmental threshold temperature estimated for egg-to-pupae was 10.8, with a thermal constant of 230.4 degree-days. Therefore, the optimal developmental temperature for A. alninous was determined to be $25^{\circ}C$. To compare the effects of the total duration of chilling on the termination of diapause, larvae were subjected to a temperature of $8^{\circ}C$ from 60 to 120 days. The rate of termination of diapause was significantly higher at 60 days compared to other incubation period.