Abstract METAMORPHOSIS December 1997 Occasional Supplement Number 3 - 10

Title

MOTHS COLLECTED IN THE KAKAMEGA FOREST (EASTERN KENYA), AND POSSIBLE USE OF MOTHS TO CHARACTERISE TROPICAL FORESTS

Authors

Dall’Asta Ugo

Title

ON PREPARATION OF THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE WORLD SERIES

Authors

D’Abrera Bernard

Title

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Authors

Henning G. A.

Title

THE POTENTIAL USE OF BUTTERFLIES & DUNG BEETLES IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDIES: AN EXAMPLE FROM ZIMBABWE

Authors

Gardiner Alan

ABSTRACT:

A system for monitoring the health of terrestrial environments is required. In Africa most environmental studies are involved with large mammals while the invertebrates have been neglected. Of the Invertebrates butterflies and dung beetles in particular are two possible candidates. For environmental monitoring the advantages and disadvantages of using these groups are discussed. Results from a recent study, suggest butterflies as a good possibility. It is recommended that systems are produced that:

1) help local people monitor their area:

2) identify areas of high diversity and interest and:

3) make use of “sacred’ patches for conservation.

Title

MODE AND TEMPO IN THE EVOLUTION OF MIMICRY IN AFRICAN BUTTERFLIES – A RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Authors

Vane-Wright R. I.

ABSTRACT:

The genus Amauris is a driving force in the evolution of mimicry within African butterflies. Amongst the many mimics of Amauris, Papilio dardanus is a celebrated and much-studied species, but controversy controversy continues regarding the sequence of evolutionary events that have produced this remarkable insect. Even less well understood is the possible relationship between mimicry and the evolution of new species. A research programme using molecular biology to explore these issues is outlined. Ways in which Africanbased lepidopterists might contribute to this work are briefly noted.

Title

BUTTERFLY MONITORIG IN ARABUKO-SOKOKE FOREST, KENYA

Authors

Ayiemba Washington O.

Title

BUTTERFLY FARMING AND FOREST CONSERVATION: A CASE STUDY FROM THE NORTH COAST OF KENYA

Authors

Gordon Ian Dr.

Title

CLASSIFICATION OF THE AFRICAN SATURNIIDAE (LEPIDOPTERA) – THE QUEST FOR NATURAL GROUPS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Authors

Oberprieler R. G.

ABSTRACT:

The development of the higher classification of the African Saturniidae is reviewed, concluding that the current system, which dates back to Bouvier (1936), is typologically orientated and largely obscures the indicated natural, phylogenetic relationships of this fauna. The five major groups of these moths, viz. Micragonini, Urotini, Bunaeini, Saurniini and Attacini, are briefly discussed rectifying several nomenclatural errors (such as the homonymy and synonymy of Ludiini and Pseudapheliini auctt.), giving some diagnostic characters of possible phylogenetic significance and commenting on the composition of these groups. Its is concluded that a natural classification of the African Saturniidae is only possible by conducting a careful and thorough phylogenetic analysis of all features, especially of preimaginal characters, which were largely ignored in the past, and also of genetic and molecular aspects.

Title

A CLASSIFICATION OF VISUAL-SIGNALS EMANATING FROM THE WINGS OF AFROTROPICAL LEPIDOPTERA

Authors

Staude H. S.

And

Curle A. I.

ABSTRACT:

Adult Lepidoptera use four types of strategies as defense against predators: visual (morphological) signals, behavioral signals, acoustic signals and olfactory signals. This paper deals with the first of these, i.e. visual signals. A classification of similar visual signals emanating from adult Afrotropical Lepidoptera is presented. The classification is based on the perceived predator response to those signals. Visual signals are classified under three main categories: Those that trigger (1) an avoidance response, (2) a confusion response or (3) a distraction response in predators. This paper deals in detail with signals that trigger a predator avoidance response. The avoidance response can either be a response avoiding perceived danger or one avoiding perceived inedibility. The inedibility response can either be one of perceived physical inedibility or one of perceived chemical inedibility. Five major signals of chemical inedibility emanating from Afrotropical Lepidoptera are presented. The value of classifying these signals based on predator response is shown. It is shown that there probably is a predator-spectrum impacting on a species resulting in more than one signal emanating from one species. It is therefore vitally important to classify the signals and not the taxa that the signals emanate from.

KEY WORDS:

Afrotropical Lepidoptera, Survival strategies, visual signals, mimicry, aposematic, Insectiverous Birds, crypsis, Predator distraction.

Title

AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF AFROTROPICAL RAINFOREST BUTTERFLIES (LEPIDOPTERA: RHOPALOCERA)

Authors

Larsen Torben B.