Effects of temperature on the phenology and fitness traits of Pachliopta aristolochiae (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Butterflies are highly sensitive to climate change, especially to variations in temperature, and are therefore considered important bioindicators of environmental change. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the effects of temperature (32 °C, 29 °C and 20 °C) on the phenology, development, and fitness traits of Pachliopta aristolochiae (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) under laboratory conditions (16L:8D photoperiod; 78±2 RH) from May 2023 to February 2024. The results revealed clear temperature-dependent effects on the butterfly’s developmental and fitness traits. The larval survival rate was significantly higher at 32 °C and 29 °C than at 20 °C (F = 11.86; df = 2; P = 0.05). Relative hatchability of eggs was highest at 32°C (88.89 ± 6.0%), followed by 29 °C (66.67 ± 12.2%) and 20 °C (15.38 ± 10.0%). The incubation period was 3.37 ± 0.81 days at 32 °C, followed by 3.75 ± 0.46 days at 29 °C and 4 ± 0.25 days at 20 °C.  Moreover, the total developmental period was 33.34 ± 4.33 days at 32 °C, 36.19 ± 6.52 days at 29 °C, and 42.4 ± 2.45 days at 20 °C. Thus, temperature variation significantly altered the rate of metabolism and growth of the butterfly. The results suggest latitudinal adaptations of P. aristolochiae to the temperature of Dhaka city and regional thermal acclimation. 

J. Bangladesh Acad. Sci. 50(3); 401–413: September 2026