Population Biology Of Two Species Of Heliconius (nymphalidae: Heliconiinae) In A Semi-deciduous Forest In Southeastern Brazil

Populations of two species of butterflies, Heliconius erato and Heliconius ethilla, were studied during 17 months in SE Brazil. For H. erato, the number of individuals present per day varied from one to 10. Time of residence was 24.9 ± 18.97 days, with the maximum 59 days. Males were recorded traveling distances up to 200 m. A study of wing color patterns of H. erato showed results similar to those of previous studies, including the variation in the number of red raylets. For H. ethilla, the number of individuals present per day varied from one to 15. Time of residence was 32.6 ± 23.93 days, with the maximum registered of 106 days. Males can travel distances up to 650 m. For both species, the population peaks occurred in March and May of both years. The sex ratio of individuals captured was male biased for most of the months. Age structure was not stable, though intermediate-age individuals dominated in every month. 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