John E. Hassett
Department of Biology, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, USA, 55057
Abstract. Although predation is believed to be a major factor in the evolution of butterflies, quantification of predation intensity on Lepidoptera has proved difficult. One potential method for quantifying predation on butterflies, the identification of predator-related wing damage, is explored here. 54 butterflies from Minnesota and 100 butterflies from Costa Rica were assessed for wing damage and several other characteristics. Analysis found no significant difference in incidence of predation between aposematic vs. cryptic butterflies, small vs. large butterflies, and temperate zone vs. tropical butterflies. These results are surprising only if predation damage is believed to be an accurate quantifier of predation. The relationship between predation damage and actual predation intensity is complex and poorly understood, and that few conclusions about real predation pressure on adult Lepidoptera should be made using this method.