Peter Smetacek

7 Questions 133 Answers 0 Followers

Questions related from Peter Smetacek

Do we know exactly what chemical signals are emitted by plants infected by insects to attract predators of those insects?

We know that trees attract ichneumon wasps when they are affected by stem borers. Similarly, plants infected by scale insects or aphids tend to attract carnivorous butterflies and lacewings. The...

12 November 2014 6,946 6 View

Is the idea of linking rivers still considered valid after the Caspian experience?

Linking rivers and large scale irrigation projects in the erstwhile Soviet Union resulted in a reduced flow into the Caspian Sea. The resulting disaster included a retreating shoreline, so that...

03 August 2014 7,913 13 View

Does anyone have information on population dynamics of Snow Apollo (Parnassius) butterflies?

I am working on Himalayan Parnassius species. Does anyone have information (published or unpublished) about population outbreaks/dips, parasitization and mating behavior of this genus either from...

30 January 2014 1,786 5 View

Which countries have banned insect collecting by private persons?

India is debating a law that will declare all non-domestic animals (including fishes and mosquitoes) wildlife. To kill or collect any such animals will require Governmental permission. This is...

15 January 2014 5,875 37 View

Are insects expanding their distribution in Europe, Africa and N. America in response to global warming patterns?

I have documented the westward expansion of a number of Himalayan butterflies and moths during the last 50 years, probably in response to milder winters and increased soil humidity. This has not...

07 January 2014 8,832 9 View

In Lepidoptera, how far apart should taxa be for physical similarities to be called mimicry?

While working on the Neptis genus (Nymphalidae), my wife and I found that they are palatable by offering west Himalayan species to wild birds. So were the local Athyma. Since some Athyma are...

03 January 2014 7,330 6 View

Do male Lycaenids have reduced forelegs? If so, which genera?

Some sites like Wikipedia state that male Lycaenids have reduced forelegs. However, standard works like Evans (1932: The identification of Indian butterflies) distinguish the family Lycaenidae on...

02 January 2014 8,585 26 View