Immature Biology of Neptis hesione podarces (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Taiwan, with Discussion on Its Frass Chain Function

Neptis hesione podarces Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is a rare nymphalid butterfly in Taiwan. Bionomics and immature morphology of this rare species are given in detail in the present article. Its larvae are monophagous, consuming leaves of a climbing fig Ficus sarmantosa (Moraceae). Seven instars are required to complete larval development. We found that younger larvae of N. h. podarces make frass chains, a behavior that has not been found in other Neptis species. Here we test the antipredator function of this larval behavior and provide details on nest building.