The Brimstone and Ceanothus

[Mikhail]

I have just chanced to find a photo of a Brimstone apparently ovipositing on Ceanothus. See: http://picasaweb.google.com/trevorfcarp ... nsects2009 I had often wondered if Brimstones might use it as a foodplant, given that it is in the Buckthorn family. The Powdered Brimstone uses Christ's Thorn, which is also a non-Buckthorn member of that botanical family. All you gardeners, living in good Brimstone country, and with Ceanothus in your gardens, bear in mind the possibility that Brimstones may be using it for more than nectar. It would be very interesting to have confirmation that the caterpillars can develop successfully on this plant.

Misha

[Susie]

Very interesting, thanks for posting this. I have both in the garden so will keep an eye out.

BTW, Does anyone know if Brimstone caterpillars are canabalistic?

[Pete Eeles]

Does anyone know if Brimstone caterpillars are canabalistic?

No they're not. Just as well, since they're often found in small groups!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Padfield]

It's an interesting possibility (the Ceanothus) and I'm very impressed you spotted this picture and identified the plant!! However, many species do 'oviposture', frequently on inappropriate plants or things, and you'd need to see the egg laid to be sure. This Meleager's blue was oviposturing on a dead leaf (of the wrong plant) for some while, in the vicinity of good foodplant. I speculated she might be squeezing the eggs right up to the end, or perhaps getting some dirt on her abdomen to leave as camouflage on the eventual eggs... actually, I've no idea. But whatever she was doing, she wasn't laying!!



Guy