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90 ZlEGLER: Kalmia for Incisalia augustinus Vol.10: nos.3-4
In an interesting recent paper, Knudsen (1955) added Azalea calendulacea Michx. to the host plant list of the lycsenid butterfly, Strymon liparops Bdv. & Lee, already known to be widely polyphagous. He found larvae feeding on the flame-colored azalea flowers, and carried them successfully through to pupation and emergence. In view of the apparent irrelevance to the survival of this butterfly of its exposed position while feeding on this host plant, he reasoned by analogy that /. augustinus might show a similar feeding habit on Kalmia. Since this would tend to invalidate point 4 mentioned above in the argument against Kalmia as a host plant for 1. augustinus, he suggested that this plant should be retained on the list for this butterfly.
While we are in agreement with Knudsen with regard to the possible significance of his findings as they bear on the validity of point 4 in the argument outlined above, yet it should be emphasized that this point is a minor one in that argument. Considered in sum, Cook's evidence speaks very strongly against Kalmia as a host plant for I. augustinus. It may be assumed that his observation of oviposition on this plant was an artifact due to the unnatural conditions of laboratory host plant screening experiments. One other point not mentioned in our earlier paper may be stressed at this time. /. augustinus is the earliest Hairstreak in the vicinity of Lakehurst, New Jersey. It ordinarily appears on the wing about the middle of April and the flight is about over by the middle of May or perhaps somewhat earlier. Therefore the peak density of hatching eggs must occur in late April or early May. At this time Vaccinium spp. and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Spreng., authenticated host plants of /. augustinus, are in full bloom (early instar larvae attack the flowers), while Kalmia angustifolia L. does not blossom in this locality until much later.
In conclusion, there seems to be little evidence for, and much against, Kalmia as a host plant of /. augustinus. As matters now stand, it does not deserve a place on the list.
References
Knudsen, J. P., 1955. A new host plant record for Strymon liparops. Lepid. News 9: 11-12. Ziegler, J. B., 1953. Notes on the life history of Incisalia augustinus and a new host plant record. Lepid. News 7: 33-35.
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NEW NORTH CAROLINA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
At a meeting held at Raleigh, N. C, on 17 November 1956, the North Carolina Entomological Society was organized, with membership open to all interested in entomology. Dr. C. F. SMITH (Head, Dept. of Entomology, N. C. State College, Raleigh) was elected President, and Mr. JAMES F. GREEN (N. C State Dept. of Agriculture, Raleigh) Secretary-Treasurer.
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