Analysis of ovipositional environment using Quantification Theory Type I: the case of the butterfly, Luehdorfia puziloi inexpecta (Papilionidae)

The habitat of Luehdorfia puziloi inexpecta was analyzed by using Quantification Theory Type I, a method for quantifying qualitative data. The investigation area was divided into 92 small sections and was surveyed for its environmental characteristics such as type of trees, tree trunk girth, condition of undergrowth, geography, aspect of slope, and amount of food plants. Environmental factors suitable for oviposition were analyzed using the area density of eggs in each section as the external criterion. The results showed the order of importance of environmental factors to be: aspect of slope > amount of food plants > tree type = tree trunk girth > condition of undergrowth > geography. A slope facing northeast, rich in food plants, with deciduous trees of trunk girth larger than 40 cm, with undergrowth below 30 cm and along a ridgeline was the most preferable habitat for the butterfly.