Investigation on the usability of a time-lapse camera for the identification of Pithecops fulgens tsushimanus (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae) on Tsushima Island

Abstract

We investigated the usability of a time-lapse camera to confirm the inhabitation of Pithecops fulgens tsushimanus. Five cameras targeting the sucking plants or hosts were set at 20-second-interval shot for 39 days in 3 forest stands on Tsushima Island. Adults were identified on 629 photos out of a total number of about 270,000 photos. At the expanded shot interval of 60 seconds, the detection rate of the image dropped to 26.5%, while the detection rate of the visit showed a modest decline, 68.8%. The shot interval was considered to be extendable for the survey of inhabitation. Three possible factors to help identify the adults were suggested ; known plant species for suckling and laying of eggs, relatively long staying time on plants, and specific pattern on wings.