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RESEARCH LITERATURE

The Research Literature database was created and funded by the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Use the search features below to find scientific articles on native wildflowers that are commercially available or used in restoration projects.

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Plant latex and first-instar monarch larval growth and survival on three North American milkweed species

Author(s): M. P. Zalucki and S. B. Malcolm

Month: Aug
Year: 1999

Journal: Journal of Chemical Ecology
Volume: 25
Issue: 8
Pages: 1827-1842

Article Topic(s): Chemistry, Disturbance
Research Setting(s): Laboratory

Species Referenced: Asclepias humistrata (Pinewoods milkweed), Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed),

Abstract

Researches the effects different species of Asclepias (milkweed) on the growth of first-instar larvae of the monarch butterfly. Asclepias defenses to herbivory include producing latex and a chemical defense called cardenolide. Asclepias incarnata and tuberosa have low latex and cardenolide levels, while A. humistrata has high levels of latex and cardenolide. The study specifically examines whether partially severing plant petioles prior to herbivory affects the larval growth of the monarch butterfly. Partially severing petioles in A. incarnata and A. tuberosa had no effect on larval growth. However, partially severing petioles of A. humistrata increased larval growth and survival.

Suggested Citation

M. P. Zalucki and S. B. Malcolm. "Plant latex and first-instar monarch larval growth and survival on three North American milkweed species." Journal of Chemical Ecology 25.8 (1999): 1827-1842.

Article Links

ISSN: 0098-0331
DOI: 10.1023/A:1020929732223

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