Reproductive response of the Samoan swallowtail butterfly to variability in host plant and habitat characteristics

The Samoan swallowtail butterfly (Papilio godeffroyi) has become restricted to Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Factors driving its extirpation on other islands may be partly due the availability and suitability of habitat, given singular association we observed P. godeffroyi with host plant, Micromelum minutum. We expected that as a plant specialist, might respond variation in physical traits habitat context M. minutum, which could help identify conservation opportunities throughout present former range. Because ecology is largely unknown, conducted systematic surveys during 15 months 2013 2014 investigate reproductive response phenological variability individual trees structural geographical stands they occurred. searched foliage for eggs, larvae, pupae monitored seasonal trends herbivory production leaves, flowers, fruits 117 8 rainforest stands, mostly within National Park Samoa (NPSA), starting March ending August 2014. high output between strong negative relationship leaf biomass (at both tree stand levels) oviposition density (number eggs per foliar biomass) frequency survey). Distribution patterns larvae were less distinct but generally followed oviposition. Our findings indicate reproducing widely across likely positively management increase small low-density stands. Thus, species good candidate focusing habitat.