Head capsule width of larvae of Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

Abstract

Head capsule widths of the pea blue butterfly, Lampides boeticus larvae collected in Tokyo (Hachioji), Central Japan were measured. The butterfly passes through four larval instar stages before pupation. The mean head capsule widths of the first, second, third and fourth (final) instar larvae were 0.185, 0.365, 0.648 and 1.109 mm, respectively.