Swapnesh Rangnekar, Anurag Mistry and Aparna Ghadigaonkar
Abstract
Current article attempts to describe the life cycle of Common grass yellow butterfly (Euremahecabe) in association with Cassia tora. The study was conducted during post-monsoon season of year 2016 at a fringe area of Mumbai. The larval host plant was observed and egg samples were collected, hatched ex situ and adults released in the wild. Field study indicated that environmental parameters during post monsoon period - governed by south-west monsoon were helpful for the growth and maturity of the butterfly. The study specified that E. hecabe would complete life history in 23 to 28 days under laboratory conditions.Eggs, five larval in stars, pupa and adult were distinct. Cannibalism was reported in E. hecabe caterpillars.The short life cycle would allow 10 broods yearly, making the butterfly multi-voltine. The entire life cycle was observed to be highly dependent on ambient weather parameters. There was a positive correlation between number of hatching days and relative humidity while a negative correlation was seen between number of hatching days and ambient temperature. The sampling area, however, is under threat from anthropogenic activities. The life cycle studies and release of adults in wild would help to increase the number of these tiny, bio-indicator species.