giant swallowtail returns

[Nigel Venters]

>However, it is extremely important to understand that just because a
particular Lep can be
> induced to feed on Persea americana (typical avocado) in captivity in no
way
> means that the adult female would oviposit on it under natural
conditions.
> Tossing a new (non native) Persea species into the mix doesn't mean it's
> going to get used right away (if it even gets used at all).  This process
> takes time and acceptance will certainly vary among species.
 
I would certainly agree with Chris here but I think it is worth mentioning
that the best botanists in the world are butterflies and moths! They have
too much to lose if they get it wrong. Of course some more tolerant larva
will take foodplants that the adults won't lay on, but also remember
butterflies are also opportunists! One fine example is Charaxes baumanni
from Central Africa. This butterfly's larva feeds on Acacia pennata,
Pterilobium lacerans and Pterilobium stellatuen, however with the
introduction of Caesalpinia decapetala as a hedge plant from Asia into
urban areas of Africa, this has completly changed it's status! Never common
before it has now accepted Caesalpinia in preference to all other
foodplants and has been increasing in numbers and in some areas where it is
now considered very common!
Nigel