Growth and Dispersal of Larvae of the Checkerspot Butterfly Euphydryas editha

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Abstract
We investigated growth and dispersal of postdiapause Euphydryas editha larvae in a serpentine soil-based grassland, using groups of individually marked and weighed larvae. Larval weight gain was highly correlated with insolation at ground level which is determined by slope exposure and date. Maximum dispersal distances were in excess of 10 m d-1; dispersal greater than 5 m d-1 resulted in depressed growth rates during the period of dispersal. Larvae which disperse such distances can transfer from cool to warm slopes and can pupate up to two weeks sooner than larvae remaining on cool slopes, even after paying the time and metabolic costs of dispersal. We discuss the implications of larval dispersal on individual fitness and population persistence.