It has been a refrain heard throughout the centuries and likely originating during the Neolithic epoch. “Eat your vegetables,” is the anthem of almost every parent during mealtime when juveniles are involved.
While there are many green substances on the plate which are perceived as offensive by the progeny, peas are known for their repulsive reputation. Incentives of all kinds, from bribes to threats, usually result in little to no consumption of the emerald-toned orbs.
For one set of butterfly parents in panhandle Florida, there has never been the need to entice their young to consume the peas. The long-tailed skipper’s larvae are known for an appetite which focuses on a variety of pea species, along with a few others.
Long-tailed skippers are currently gathering for the seasonal flight to south Florida. This native butterfly’s presence is not always appreciated, because its larvae have a taste for several crops commonly cultivated in Florida.
In commercial agriculture circles, this insect is known as the bean leafroller. It has a well-documented record of dining on a variety of legumes which are valued by people.
Urbanus proteus, as this butterfly is scientifically known, has a short life cycle of 30 days. While it is a year-round resident of south Florida, it makes it first appearance in north Florida during June.
In the early autumn days of September and October, the local population gathers for the flight south to warmer climes. They reverse course in spring, but it is not as obvious as the fall migration.
When in residence this native insect may not be able to locate pea and bean crops to host their larva. In that case they must resort to their age-old meal sources of nutrition which grow in the wild.
One of those is the aptly named butterfly pea. Botanically identified as Centrosema virgianianum, this native legume is common to sunny spots in pinelands and coastal uplands.
The blooms of this native legume are on display in the shortening days of early autumn. They do produce small seeds, but these perennials will regrow in the spring after a winter reprieve.
Curiously, the butterfly pea’s range closely resembles the areas where the long-tailed skipper is found. Populations of both can be found as far south as Argentina and coastal Gulf of Mexico locales to the north.
One can only guess which developed first or how the symbiotic relationship developed.
For most of the warm weather, this pea blends into the green mass of plants which inhabit the region. It is one of a number of herbaceous vines twisting along unkept fence rows and fallow fields.
However, the distinctive bloom easily identifies this pea species. The general shape of the bloom is common to peas, but the bluish purple and white is unique to butterfly peas.
While not a major contributor of nectar or pollen, the bloom’s shape is very accommodating to a range of local pollinators. European and native bees, multiple wasp species and mature butterflies (including the long-tailed skipper) will visit the blooms for a quick snack.
All of these insect visits have the potential to disperse pollen to other butterfly pea plants. This sharing helps to maintain genetic diversity and continue the species.
From a soil health perspective, this perennial legume’s root system adds nitrogen to the soil. This nutrient is critical to the growth of other plants, so it is no surprise to see other species in close proximity.
Despite the shortcomings of the long-tailed skipper and the butterfly pea, both add color to panhandle Florida’s early autumn.
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