Caterpillar and Ant Interactions

The Alcon blue butterfly is a parasitic species whose caterpillars infiltrate ant colonies by mimicking ant larvae. They live inside the ant nest, feeding on resources and sometimes the ants themselves. The caterpillars eventually transform into butterflies, spending most of their lives within the ant realm. This species is one of many parasitic butterflies that target ants, with complex relationships that can be affected by environmental changes. Despite their manipulative tactics, these butterflies are vulnerable to parasitoid wasps and environmental shifts.

What is the initial action of the Alcon blue butterfly after laying eggs?

• She lays eggs on a wildflower and leaves.

• She guards the eggs.

• She buries the eggs underground.

• She feeds the eggs.

How does the caterpillar infiltrate the ant colony?

• By mimicking the chemical cues of ant larvae.

• By fighting its way in.

• By flying into the nest.

• By digging a tunnel.

What do the worker ants do when they encounter the caterpillar?

• They ignore it.

• They take it to the queen.

• They attack it.

• They treat it like one of their own larvae.

What does the caterpillar produce that the worker ants feed from?

• Honey

• Sugary secretions

• Pollen

• Water

How does the caterpillar signal that it should be prioritized over actual ant larvae?

• By growing larger.

• By producing more secretions.

• By changing its color.

• By emitting queen-like noises.

What happens to the caterpillar during the winter?

• It lives like royalty in the ant nest.

• It stops eating.

• It hibernates alone.

• It leaves the ant nest.

What transformation does the caterpillar undergo in June?

• It changes color.

• It grows larger.

• It forms a chrysalis and becomes a butterfly.

• It becomes an ant.

How long does the adult Alcon blue butterfly live?

• One month

• One year

• One week

• One day

What is a unique feature of the Japanese oakblue caterpillar's relationship with ants?

• It does not interact with ants.

• It fights the ants for food.

• It produces a sweet concoction that manipulates ant behavior.

• It lives outside the ant nest.

What threat do parasitic butterflies face even within ant nests?

• Parasitoid wasps

• Floods

• Predatory birds

• Other butterflies