Among the many aspects of the lepidopteran biology that we are currently investigating, we are paying particular attention to relationships between these insects and their larval food plants.
Investigations into how ovipositing females operate their choices provide biologically relevant results, but also generate important information on the conservation status of threatened species and on their responses to environmental changes.
Butterflies are strong biological indicators well-known for quickly reacting to all landscape level and microhabitat scale events, and for promptly reflecting modifications occurring in other components of biodiversity.
Research on larval food plants has allowed us to gain understanding of (i) the physical and chemical characteristics of leaves consumed by larvae, and (ii) the volatile compounds (VOCs) exploited by ovipositing females as attractants.
Investigating suitable adult nectar sources or foodplants is also necessary to understand the intermediate and long-term effects of management practices, to resolve management conflicts, as well as to assess effects of the agro-environmental measures implemented in various cultivations.