Sunday, March 28, 2010

Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis

On 8/24/09 we found Polygonia interrogationis eggs on the hops plant on the fence (Humulus lupulus).

By 10/24 we had released 30 individuals.

The eggs are laid extravagantly on hops, with the survival rate in the wild of less than 10%. There are two broods, a spring and a late summer brood.

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The larvae hatch and start eating right away.

1st instar
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3rd instar
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5th instar
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The pupae vary in color from brown to gray. The spikes on the abdominal casing are an identifying mark.
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The black color on the hindwing is more common in the late summer brood.
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Individuals show one of two colors below, a rich brown or a gray. All of these individuals ate the same diet and came, apparently, from the same parents, so I cannot account for the color difference.

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JRC
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Broad-winged Skipper Poanes viator

We found this individual at the Baltimore Zoo on a fine day in August.

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JRC Read more...