Development cycle and hosts of Heraclides anchisiades anchisiades (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). An exploratory model of the butterflies farming sustainability at "Peña Roja" indigenous community

Abstract

The sustainability of butterflies farming for commercial purposes was determined at "Peña Roja" indigenous community (Middle Caquetá River, Colombian Amazons), based on biological, economical and social selection criteria. During August 1999 the economical interest butterílies was identified. Heraclides anchisiades anchisiades were selected for exploring its economic potential and the viability of its growth in captivity as a model. This species was selected based on the number of postures and its survival rate. Between February and July 2000 it was observed the host preferences, natural enemies, oviposition, and herbivory behavior. the consumed foliar area. the survival and longevity of each stadium of the development cycle, starting from eclosion larvae of collected postures in Citrus sinensis and Cilrus reticulata (Rutaceae). During February to April, the eclosion larvae were individually kept in plastic glasses and the food supplies come from their hosts. The survival in C. reticulala was greater and there were no significant differences in the longevity of each stadium-related lo the host. Between May and July three larvae were maintained in only one plastic glass and the nutritive quality of Citrus species was tested; this resulted in a survival increase and the decrease of stadium longevity on C. sinensis, while with C. reticulata the survival rate was kept stable. Based on a literature search about the demand of this butterfly and with the results founded in this research was carried out an economical analysis of cost• benefits (TIR). This analysis indicated that the farming of the studied species is economically profitable. Additionally, the social characteristics of the region and the culture pattern at Peña Roja community were analyzed in relationship with the butterflies, which pointed out that, within the traditional knowledge of the community, the butterflies are not considered sacred animals, which explains the positive answer of the community to the proposal of farming these species in the community. We may conclude that the farming of this specie in the study area is biological, economical, and socially sustainable.