[19], There are two phases in the integration of P. rebeli into a Myrmica schencki ant colony: initial integration and full integration. However, they are unlikely to be bivoltine (producing two broods in one season). cruciata. Its specific and complicated ecological requirements make P. alcon a very local, threatened species, sensitive to environmental changes. Image Size: 878*1358 530 KB . See how cameraman Alastair MacEwan filmed the Alcon Blue butterfly. [4] P. rebeli pupates within the ant nest and crawls out as an adult. Once the wasp's eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the caterpillar, eventually killing it.[6]. ''Phengaris alcon'', more commonly known as Alcon Blue or Alcon Large Blue, is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family and is found in Europe and Northern Asia. Once the adult hatches it will leave the ant nest. The Alcon Blue butterfly (Phengaris Alcon) is very pretty, but appearances can be deceiving for it is a rather wicked creature. The dark violet-grey underside has numerous ocelli. [20], "The battle of the butterflies and the ants", "Chemical mimicry and host specificity in the butterfly Maculinea rebeli, a social parasite of Myrmica ant colonies", "Mimetic host shifts in an endangered social parasite of ants", "Butterfly and Wasp: A Devious, Deceitful Cycle of Life", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phengaris_alcon&oldid=1017213467, Articles with dead external links from May 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 11 April 2021, at 14:20. [9] This parasitic method is known as the "cuckoo" strategy and is an alternative to the predatory strategy employed by most other members of the genus such as Phengaris arion. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. [12], It resides in fairly dry areas at lower elevations and damp meadows among trees at alpine elevation and is found in altitudes of 1000–2000 meters. Caterpillars feed on Marsh Gentian (Gentiana … Abstract. [25], The parasitic relationship between P. rebeli caterpillars and their ant hosts is thought to have evolved from a mutualistic relationship. [8], P. rebeli is most closely related to both subspecies of Phengaris alcon (P. alcon alcon and P. alcon kondakovi) with P. alcon alcon being more closely related to P. rebeli than to P. alcon kondakovi. Phengaris alcon, the Alcon blue or Alcon large blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae and is found in Europe and across the Palearctic to Siberia and Mongolia. On all of the 8 smaller patches, ranging between 3300 m 2 and around 7600 m 2, the Alcon Blue was absent, while on 10 out of the 12 plots that ranged between 8300 m 2 and 47,900 m 2 the species was present, with the highest abundances found on plot sizes over 12,000 m 2. half of the flight period was less evident compared to that previously observed for males (Figure4). Ichneumon eumerus is a species of parasitic wasp belonging to the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae.It is a specialist parasite of the larva of the mountain Alcon blue butterfly (Phengaris rebeli).Life cycle. Like some other species of Lycaenidae, its larva stage depends on support by certain ants; it is therefore known as a myrmecophile. Personal Use Only. It belongs to a large family of butterflies, the Lycaenidae, many of whom have a special relationship with ants. It lays its eggs onto the marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe); in the region of the Alps they are sometimes also found on the related willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea). In addition, despite their nourishing offering to the ant colony, they invariably imposed a net loss in the survival rates of workers and brood, demonstrating that the species is parasitic (rather than mutualistic) at all stages in its host colony. Zigzagging they leave a trace in front of you, before quickly disappearing. After feeding and growing for four instars, the caterpillars drop to the ground. Clusters of interconnected populations are therefore crucial to maintain … [8], Several researchers argue that P. rebeli has not evolved into a separate species from Phengaris alcon and that any variation between the two groups is due to intraspecific variation. Add … [2], There has been controversy over whether Phengaris rebeli, currently regarded as an ecotype within the Alcons, should be listed as a separate species. (95% CI: 722–886) and 667 females (95% CI: 599–753) giving a slightly male-biased sex ratio (1.19:1). In both stages, a P. rebeli caterpillar is brought into the brood nest; however, in full integration, P. rebeli also achieves its high social status within the host society. After 2–3 weeks of feeding on flower heads the caterpillar lowers itself to the ground using a silken thread and awaits discovery by foraging Myrmica ants. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. (= areas Esp., euphemus Godt.) Its lays its eggs on the flower buds of the Marsh Gentian and the flowers become the first food source for the caterpillars. Furthermore, they both have similar methods of parasitizing the host ant: they act as parasitic "cuckoos" within the ant nest and feed upon the ants' regurgitation. There are three groups within this Maculinea-Phengaris clade: the alcon group, the teleius group, and the Arion-Phengaris group. [14], Larger populations of G. cruciata are associated with higher production of flowers and seeds, but also with an increased frequency of P. rebeli feeding upon the plant. Biome tour of our grasslands . We found that the Myrmica ant community has changed … P. rebeli lays their eggs during the warm summer season, when Myrmica ants are most likely to be underground. An Alcon blue butterfly (Maculinea alcon) lays her eggs on marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe) flower heads. Like some other species of Lycaenidae, its larva stage depends on support by certain ants; it is therefore known as a myrmecophile. Family: Blues; Size: Small / Medium; Wing Span Range (male to female): 30-36mm; Conservation Status. Nest size Proportion of nests with brood Number of Maculinea alcon caterpillars in nest AB Fig. The larvae emit surface chemicals (allomones) that closely match those of ant larvae, causing the ants to carry the Alcon larvae into their nests and place them in their brood chambers. Information. working on a project on the disappearing icon, 'the Alcon blue', with support of MIAP. [10], P. rebeli are noted for their large blue wings, with the males displaying a violet blue shade and the females displaying blue basal areas interspersed with brown spots, similar to other butterflies in the genus. Its lays its eggs on the flower buds of the Marsh Gentian and the flowers become the first food source for the caterpillars. The area is also excellent for butterflies and here we can expect to see Scarce Copper, Alcon Blue, Mazarine Blue, Heath Fritillary, Ottoman Brassy Ringlet, etc. This Size Chart is only for your reference. cecinae Hormuz. Once inside the nest, the caterpillar tricks the ants into feeding and caring for it. The most common functions of the queen ant sounds are to recruit workers, smell nestmates, and facilitate oral exchanges of food and pheromones. [5] Researchers are particularly interested in the G. cruciata plant because both P. rebeli and G. cruciata are endangered. [4], It was determined that P. rebeli larvae use chemical mimicry to persuade the M. schencki ants that they are part of the ant brood. They feed here … Error bars represent SEs. Margus Vilbas 1, Toomas Esperk 1, Triin Edovald 1, Ants Kaasik 1 & Tiit Teder 1 Journal of Insect Conservation volume 20, pages 1059 – 1067 (2016)Cite this article. L. alcon is easily distinguished from the following species (coeligena, euphemus, arcas, arion, arionides ...) by the male bearing on the blue disc of the forewing no other black spots but the discocellular lunule. 169,00 € Schnellansicht Auf Wunschliste. Color Butterfly T shirt - A23173 Black / Oversize M. May 2021. 1. The species of large blue butterfly we study at the Universities of Copenhagen and Aarhus is the Alcon blue, Maculinea alcon. It was first found and described in Styria, Austria, on Mount Hochschwab around 1700. [18][19], P. alcon larvae are sought underground by the Ichneumon eumerus wasp. It can be seen flying in mid to late summer. All large blue butterflies are rare because of this interaction with ants. Its specific and complicated ecological requirements make P. alcon a very local, threatened species, sensitive to environmental changes. The beautiful and rare Alcon Blue butterfly, Maculina alcon, has a surprising life cycle; for about nine months of the year it behaves like a cuckoo. Over time, some ant colonies that are parasitized in this manner will slightly change their larva chemicals as a defence, leading to an evolutionary "arms race" between the two species. half of the flight period was less evident compared to that previously observed for males (Figure4). — Egg white, finely reticulated, laid on the flowers of the food-plant (Gentiana pneumonanthe). The differences between the P. rebeli are that they synthesize different hydrocarbons, which allow them to mimic different species of Myrmica ants. Up Next. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. Report It Send Message Caterpillars of the Alcon blue butterfly Phengaris alcon are initially endophytic and feed inside the flowerheads of Gentiana plants, but complete their development as social parasites in the nests of Myrmica ants, where they are fed by workers. [13][14], Generally, Lycaenidae species which have a myrmecophilous relationship with the ant genus Myrmica are locked to primary host specificity. The smallest patch on which the Alcon Blue occurred was approximately 8300 m 2. The density was estimated as 854 adults per hectare. — marginepunctata Gillm. This Dutch butterfly a subspecies of the Alcon Blue was found mainly in the grasslands of The Netherlands. The Alcon blue or Alcon large blue (Phengaris alcon), is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae and is found in Europe and across the Palearctic to Siberia and Mongolia. Click on the small Genetic similarities between P. rebeli and P. alcon have led many researchers to argue that the two are the same species and differences are due to intraspecific variation. This butterfly begins life as eggs laid on leaves of Gentiana cruciata plants. [2], Although P. rebeli is found across the Palearctic (see subspecies), it is difficult to determine the species' precise range due to confusion with P. The causes of this drastic population reduction are thought to be agricultural land use changes, abandonment of extensive management, and deforestation. [4] Furthermore, M. schencki ants cannot distinguish the physical differences between the P. rebeli larvae and other non-kin brood because the P. rebeli larvae are far more similar to the M. schencki's larvae than to any other ant species larvae. [8], The groups are divided based on their alternative parasitization strategies of the host ants. [2] Although it was initially classified as a subspecies of P. alcon, a European researcher, Lucien A. Berger, designated it as a separate species in 1946. [5] The caterpillars hatch and feed upon the flowers and developing fruits of the plant. P. rebeli larvae and pupa accomplish this by mimicking the sound that the queen of the ant colony makes, both while as a larva and as a pupa in the colony. Ichneumon eumerus is a species of parasitic wasp belonging to the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae.It is a specialist parasite of the larva of the mountain Alcon blue butterfly (Phengaris rebeli).Life cycle. The species of large blue butterfly we study at the Universities of Copenhagen and Aarhus is the Alcon blue, Maculinea alcon. [8] The caterpillars eat no other plants. The Butterfly Defect ongoing project ongoing. The life-cycle of the Alcon blue is shown below. This transparent Butterfly Cartoon - Gossamerwinged Butterflies, Menelaus Blue Morpho, Brushfooted Butterflies, Monarch Butterfly, Insect, Glasswing Butterfly, Alcon Blue, Butterfly, Morpho, Lepidoptera, Butterflies png image is uploaded by Qtctehxuzaz for personal projects or designs. [20], Studies have shown that P. rebeli caterpillars benefit more when they parasitize a Myrmica schencki ant colony than a colony of any other ant species. The butterfly lays its eggs onto the Marsh Gentian ; in the region of the … The larvae release a chemical that smells like ant larvae to trick ants into thinking it as their kind, and are consequently carried into the brood to feed among the ant larvae. (95% CI: 722–886) and 667 females (95% CI: 599–753) giving a slightly male-biased sex ratio (1.19:1). Once inside the nest, the caterpillar tricks the ants into feeding and caring for it. This species can be distinguished from its close relative, P. alcon, by the broader black margins of the upper-side the wings of males and the extensive blue basal areas of wings of the females. The larva generally does not break through the shell on the upperside, so that the holes of empty eggs are not easily noticed. pallidior Schultz the margin is grey instead of black. [9] Across Europe, Alcons are known to use Myrmica scabrinodis, Myrmica ruginodis, Myrmica rubra, Myrmica sabuleti, Myrmica scabrinodis, Myrmica schencki, and rarely Myrmica lonae, and Myrmica specioides. Error bars represent SEs. However, larvae in predatory species prey on the ants’ brood and consequently spend much of their life hiding in pockets of the brood nest. We investigated an … Share. Like some other species of Lycaenidae, the larval (caterpillar) stage of P. alcon depends on support by certain ants; it is therefore known as a myrmecophile. Butterfly Conservation priority: Low European Status: Vulnerable; Caterpillar Foodplants. Abundant food resources are also thought to play a part in quickened development. Horse‐grazing was terminated around 2010 and the site has not been managed since, making this site the most recently abandoned. [23], P. rebeli's developmental rate shows great phenotypic plasticity (changing its developmental rate in response to changes in the environment), as it develops very quickly in the lab and in the Pyrenees and Southern Alps. After 2–3 weeks of feeding on flower heads the caterpillar lowers itself to the ground using a silken thread and awaits discovery by foraging Myrmica ants. [11] The undersides of the wings are a dark brown with small black spots that are circled in white. About. Behind the scenes: Our Planet crews used specialist techniques to film our planet's smallest creatures. The beautiful and rare Alcon Blue butterfly, Maculina alcon, has a surprising life cycle; for about nine months of the year it behaves like a cuckoo. Theseasonalpopulationsizewasestimatedat1460adults(95%CI:1358–1582), including793males. [24] The SDL, which comprise 75% of P. rebeli larvae, do not grow much during the first year, but grow rapidly during the early part of the second summer and remain a second winter within the ant colonies. P. rebeli caterpillars are polymorphic, having two strategies for living and growing underground: to exist as fast-developing larvae (FDL) or slow-developing larvae (SDL). [11] Populations of P. rebeli are concentrated in the northern part of Portugal and Greece, the western Pyrenees, France, and eastern part of Germany.[11]. Caterpillars of the Alcon blue butterfly Phengaris alcon are initially endophytic and feed inside the flowerheads of Gentiana plants, but complete their development as social parasites in the nests of Myrmica ants, where they are fed by workers. [6] It is able to enter the nest without being swarmed by releasing a chemical which causes the worker ants to attack one another instead of concentrating their efforts on the wasp. The Butterfly Defect ongoing project ongoing. [15][16][17] Though it may be adopted into the nests of multiple Myrmica species within a given site, there is typically one "primary" species with which the locally adapted larvae can best socially integrate, leading to drastically higher survival rates. [21] This is because the P. rebeli caterpillars have a lower social rank in other ant species compared to their social rank in the M. schencki ant colony. The Alcon blue or Alcon large blue (Phengaris alcon), is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae and is found in Europe and across the Palearctic to Siberia and Mongolia.
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