The larval ant-organs of Thisbe irenea (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) and their effects upon attending ants

Observations and experiments are presented on the use oflarval ant-organs by the riodinid butterfly Thisbe irenea with emphasis on their function in myrmecophily. The results indicate that each ant organ plays a distinct role in larval-ant association and that all influence the behaviour of attending ants. Interpretations of the roles that lycaenid larval organs play in ant associations are evaluated and discussed in light of myrmecophilous riodinids. Finally, an ‘enticement and binding’ process, involving the concerted use of the larval organs, is proposed as the behavioural mechanism that T. irenea and other riodinid larvae use to secure the attentions of individual ants for extended periods of time.