Caterpillars at the beach!: Biology of Brephidium pseudofea (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) and physiological adaptations of larvae to tidal inundation

The biology of the lycaenid butterfly Brephidium pseudofea (Morrison) was studied in its natural habitat in central Florida and was also reared from egg to adult under laboratory conditions. Additional details of the immature stages are presented. This multivoltine species inhabits coastal salt marshes and tidal flats where its confirmed larval host plants Sarcocornia perennis (Mill.)A. J. Scott, Salicornia bigelovii Torr., and Batis maritima L. are often subjected to tidal inundation, presumably along with the eggs, larvae, and pupae. The insect’s behavioral and physiological adaptations to this harsh environment are investigated. We show that immature stages are able to survive prolonged periods of salt water immersion and we test the hypothesis that larvae can respire during tidal inundation.