The life history and biology of Euploea alcathoe enastri Fenner (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from northeastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

Abstract

The life history and general biology are described and illustrated for Euploea alcathoe enastri Fenner, which is endemic to Gove Peninsula in northeastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. The larval food plants include Parsonsia alboflavescens, Gynmanthera oblonga and Marsdenia glandulifera (Apocynaceae) growing in relatively small patches of mixed paperbark tall open forest with rainforest elements in the understorey, usually in juxtaposition to wet monsoon forest (evergreen vine-forest), or in the ecotone between wet evergreen vine-forest and savanna woodland or paperbark woodland {i.e. rainforest edge); both habitats are associated with perennial groundwater seepages or springs in lowland coastal areas that may be flooded seasonally. P. alboflavescens, which likewise is restricted to Gove Peninsula, appears to be the preferred food plant. Adults appear to breed throughout the year and the life cycle from egg to adult is completed in about four weeks during the dry season. The early stages are briefly compared with those of E. a. misenus Miskin and E. core corinna (W.S. Macleay).