Crossing experiments with Papilio okinawensis Fruhstorfer from Okinawa Island and P. dehaanii C. & R. Felder from central Honshu, Japan (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae)

Abstract

Cross and back-cross experiments with Papilio okinawensis and P. dehaanii were conducted by hand pairing with subsequent testing of the reproductive capability of F1, BC1, BC2 and BC3 hybrids. These experiments indicated that P. okinawensis and P. dehaanii may be in the process of diverging into distinct species.