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Post by exoticimports on Oct 18, 2021 10:34:31 GMT -8
The topic has come up a few times, so please share your insights into using decoys to attract/ catch leps (particularly Papilio.)
First, I'll share a learning experience: Prior to my second trip to New Georgia, Solomon Islands I was most fortunate to discover blue mylar that was exactly the color of Papilio ulysses, and brought it with me. Once there, I adorned my hat, net, epaulets, and pants with the stuff. It was completely ineffective; they paid no attention to it whatsoever. Then, by chance, we observed a male ulysses attacking a squished beer can on the trail, a worn white & light blue color. So we picked up the can and waved it around as we walked, and sure enough the males would come right down to that can and attack it. Notable because (1) normally they "attack" both other males and other species but won't come down within about 8m of the ground, but they would for this can, and (2) the stupid can wasn't even close to their color. The take-away is that what we see isn't what they see.
Now, back to the ideas: the best decoy is probably a live specimen, which may or may not be reasonably accomplished. So second best I'm guessing is a dead specimen. That presents some issues, such as breakage and wet/humidity; a set specimen, no matter how well cared for is going to have a limited use. I suppose specimens could be coated with polyurethane or something, though I'm questioning the effect on decoy effectiveness.
I'm guessing that a cut-out photo is of little or limited value. Any experience?
Appreciate links to studies, insights, experiences.
Thanks,
Chuck
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Post by mothman55 on Oct 19, 2021 7:29:37 GMT -8
My personal experience with decoys is limited to papilio canadensis in Central Ontario. Once I pour out my salt water into the sand, I will lay 2 or 3 dead canadensis with wings spread on the sand. Its necessary to put a couple of small stones onto the wings so that they don't blow away. This is usually done along the side of dirt roads and the idea is that as the canadensis fly along the roadside, they see the decoys and come down for a look, and then stay once they find the moist patch of salt water. I learned this from a friend that has been doing this for about 50 years. He has collected some abberants over the years including fletcheri, and that is how I got the fletcheri last year you see in my avatar, although that one was in the sand at a boat launch. I will put my salt/water bait in places that I see canadensis flying or even better, spots where some are already puddling. I set up maybe 5 or 6 bait spots and visit all the spots multiple times from mid morning to early afternoon. Of course it works in some spots one day, and not the next, one never knows. And females don't puddle, its all males.
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Post by exoticimports on Oct 19, 2021 8:05:08 GMT -8
Canadensis is one of my targets. Problem is I have ONE local specimen, not extras I can waste. I wonder if decoy glaucus would work for canadensis.
Chuck
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Post by Paul K on Oct 19, 2021 8:14:45 GMT -8
Canadensis is one of my targets. Problem is I have ONE local specimen, not extras I can waste. I wonder if decoy glaucus would work for canadensis. Chuck I suppose glaucus would work for canadensis as good. I used this method in Thailand few times and yes the passing butterflies will stop and investigating the patch with dead specimen. I usually used the one which was old or damaged so wouldn’t be any of good for collection. Keep in mind that only same coloured and shaped species will stop, others will usually just fly by. |
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Post by Christof on Oct 19, 2021 8:48:35 GMT -8
here is what has worked well for me:
1. Mud puddling: in areas with lots of butterflies they do mud puddling in groups (i.e. butterflies with the same or similar wing colors sit in groups together in the wet sand/mud). Placing a dead specimen of a certain color attracts other live specimens to sit down lose to them. I have seen this also numerous times with killed butterflies that were mud puddling (for example by cars on dirt road that drove over them)
2. Idea in Asia: waving a white sheet of paper in a similar size like the butterfly will attract males to come down to check it out; this works very well indeed. In Taiwan Idea leuconoe is called 'stupid white butterfly' because of this fact (or so I have been told)
3. Morpho in Latin America: waving a sheet of paper (similar to butterfly size) will attract males to come and check it out. In Mexico morpho polyphemus is easily attracted by a sheet of white paper and I even caught females this way
Good luck, Christof
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Post by foxxdoc on Oct 19, 2021 9:19:53 GMT -8
Some years back ran into some Cuban butterfly collectors who tied irredescent blue ribbons to long poles and waved them to bring in the Morphos. Also saw that in Guatemala where bright blue pieces of cloth were used to mark a trail and the Morphos were attracted.
Piece of trash ( a red cigarette package ) was very much an attraction for tropical skippers.
BEST
TOM
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Post by mothman55 on Oct 20, 2021 16:04:55 GMT -8
Canadensis is one of my targets. Problem is I have ONE local specimen, not extras I can waste. I wonder if decoy glaucus would work for canadensis. Chuck I suppose glaucus would work for canadensis as good. I used this method in Thailand few times and yes the passing butterflies will stop and investigating the patch with dead specimen. I usually used the one which was old or damaged so wouldn’t be any of good for collection. Keep in mind that only same coloured and shaped species will stop, others will usually just fly by. Agree with Paul, glaucus should work just fine. I also use damaged specimens, and often reuse, providing they haven't been run over by the road grader. Wouldn't you know that they seem to grade my favourite dirt road every year in late May/early June when the canadensis are most plentiful. |
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