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<p>Patterns of egg distribution in eruptive phytophagous insects represent an important, yet understudied, component of their population dynamics. This study investigates oviposition strategies in an eruptive lepidopteran species, the black-veined white (<i>Aporia crataegi</i>), during the peak phase of an outbreak cycle. We analysed the number and size of egg clutches in relation to the characteristics of host plants. Additionally, we examined the colonisation dynamics of these host plants during the outbreak. Our findings demonstrate that <i>A. crataegi</i> exhibits selective oviposition. Females most frequently lay eggs on <i>P. padus</i>, with <i>M. baccata</i> and <i>S. aucuparia</i> being selected less frequently. Less preferred host plants are colonised with a greater selectivity; thus, most trees remain uncolonised, while individual trees exhibit a high density of egg clutches. Females preferentially oviposit on taller plants and do not avoid those defoliated within the current growing season, although depositing smaller clutches on such hosts. During the outbreak, colonisation rates increase on less preferred host plant species—<i>M. baccata</i> and <i>S. aucuparia</i>. We found no evidence of conspecific clutch avoidance, since clutch distribution across all host plants was aggregated. The highest degree of aggregation was observed on the least preferred host plant—<i>S. aucuparia</i>. The implications of clutch aggregation for offspring fitness and population dynamics are discussed.</p>

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Oviposition patterns of an eruptive butterfly, Aporia crataegi L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), in an outbreak population

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月18日

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  • K. S. Doshchanova,
  • I. A. Solonkin,
  • E. Yu. Zakharova

摘要

Patterns of egg distribution in eruptive phytophagous insects represent an important, yet understudied, component of their population dynamics. This study investigates oviposition strategies in an eruptive lepidopteran species, the black-veined white (Aporia crataegi), during the peak phase of an outbreak cycle. We analysed the number and size of egg clutches in relation to the characteristics of host plants. Additionally, we examined the colonisation dynamics of these host plants during the outbreak. Our findings demonstrate that A. crataegi exhibits selective oviposition. Females most frequently lay eggs on P. padus, with M. baccata and S. aucuparia being selected less frequently. Less preferred host plants are colonised with a greater selectivity; thus, most trees remain uncolonised, while individual trees exhibit a high density of egg clutches. Females preferentially oviposit on taller plants and do not avoid those defoliated within the current growing season, although depositing smaller clutches on such hosts. During the outbreak, colonisation rates increase on less preferred host plant species—M. baccata and S. aucuparia. We found no evidence of conspecific clutch avoidance, since clutch distribution across all host plants was aggregated. The highest degree of aggregation was observed on the least preferred host plant—S. aucuparia. The implications of clutch aggregation for offspring fitness and population dynamics are discussed.