Agrotechnology

Study of Danaus chrysippus & its conservation

4^th International Conference on Agriculture & Horticulture

July 13-15, 2015 Beijing, China

Prasad Deshmukh

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

Plain tiger or African Monarch or Danaus chrysippus is a one of the well distributed species of Monarch butterfly in the Indian subcontinent after Africa, China, Chile, Sri Lanka & other Asian countries including Bangladesh. In college of Agriculture, Baramati, we carried out a study on this well distributed African monarch. Danaus chrysippus feeds on different species of Milkweed (Asclepias). Two most common species Calotropis giganta (purple flowers) & Calotropis procera (white flowers) are commonly found host for Danaus chrysippus. In this study, we collected larvae or caterpillar of plain tiger monarch at different stages & corresponding population of it on different species of its host plant. Different phases of life cyclei.e. caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult of Danaus chrysippus were observed in Natural & lab conditions. Also, we studied about the most preferred species of Milkweed for Danaus chrysippus. Mimicry by other insects & chemical (cardiac fluid) defense mechanisms are some of the distinctive study characteristic�??s about monarch butterfly. Hence this study revealed that there are many threats to the population of Danaus chrysippus as in case of Danaus plexippus species of Monarch butterfly (An endangered Migratory species) found in Mexico & other American countries. Keeping in mind that, study of biodiversity of different species of living organisms on earth is important, we found some conservative practices that can be followed for Danaus chrysippus. Also, study of its host species is carried out for efficient conservation practices. Conservation of milkweed helps the plant life by serving as important host for �??Monarch butterfly, Bees (major pollinators)�?� & insect carnivorous beetles which feeds on aphids. As a part of conclusion, conservation of biology & life cycle of one species is important to better place the biology of other species living on earth.

Biography :

Prasad Deshmukh is a Research Scholar from Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, India.