Tigers use a variety of tree species (more than 9 different families) and develop a preference as they age (aging seems like the wrong verb for an insect that lives only 1-3 weeks). They eventually develop a preference for Tulip trees. That is what they lay eggs on for us in the house. -Elisabeth Absence of behavioral induction in oviposition preference of Papilio glaucus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) Scriber, JM Great Lakes Entomologist [GREAT LAKES ENTOMOL.]. Vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 81-95. 1993. This study addressed the possible behavioral induction effects of previous exposure to several specific host plants on subsequent host "preference hierarchy" and "specificity" (i.e., how far down the ranking order a female will go) in the most polyphagous swallowtail butterfly in the world, Papilio glaucus (Papilionidae). Multi-choice preference bioassays using individual females in revolving arenas were used to assess one of the potentially most significant non-genetic sources of variation: learned (or induced) oviposition preferences. Results of the 4-choice studies using tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera; Magnoliaceae), black cherry (Prunus serotina; Rosaceae), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides; Salicaceae), and hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata; Rutaceae), fail to show any significant oviposition preference induction with two-day prior exposure to any of the host species tested. It appears that the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly, while polyphagous as a species (feeding on more than 9 families of plants), and variable in its population responses to oviposition favorites, has what may be considered a genetic "hard-wiring" at an individual level, with no evidence that preferences change with recent oviposition experience. Older females were not and did not become more random in their choices, and in fact increased in their specificity for tulip tree leaves.

This is from the site below. These guys don't seem to do much damage... Host Plants The golden tortoise beetle is associated with sweet potato and related species such as morning glory, Ipomoea spp.; and bindweed, Convolvulus spp. Only plants in the family Convolvulaceae are hosts. Damage Both larvae and adults feed on foliage. The typical form of injury is the creation of numerous small to medium-sized irregular holes. Both stages usually inhabit the lower surface, but eat entirely through the fo Here is a link that might be useful: featured creatures at UFL

Baby animals are so darling! I'm always amazed by the deer that live right alongside the expressways here. We have forest preserves strung along through Chicago and suburbs where all sorts of 'wild things' are living pretty much as they did before we got here. We've returned big snapping turtles to the creek and have a great heron who nests alongside it every summer. Coyotes howl. Once in a while there's an owl hooting at dusk. I think our climate is warming. Twice I've seen a bluebird in our yard, gathering nesting materials. I have NEVER seen one before! I'd like to know what's making holes in our lawn -- about four inches diameter, carefully 'disguised' with a leaf across the opening. This is new too!

Hello everyone. For those of you who grow seedlings, I saw these seedling grow lights on clearance ($30) at Wal-Mart last week. A man had a couple of these in his cart, said they worked just fine for seedlings. Seems like a pretty neat set-up.