Biology of Pontia daplidice (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) on its New Host Plant Lepidium pinnatifidium from Potohar Region, Pakistan

Abstract

The butterfly Pontia daplidice (L.) was found in large numbers during April to September 2014 in Pother Region. Its eggs and larvae were found on Raphanus sativus, Brassica napus, Coronopus didymus and Lepidium pinnatifidium which were the major part of local flora in the study area. Among host plants L. pinnatifidum was found to be a new host plant for P. daplidice, where its eggs and larvae were found on young leaves and inflorescence. Life cycle of P. daplidice was studied on L. pinnatifidum in laboratory from February to September 2014. During study it was observed that temperature affect the life cycle of P. daplidice significantly. The local nectar flora of the study area was Lantana camara, Rosa indica, Jasminum officinale, J. grandiflorum, Conyza bonariensis and Fumaria indica.