Hii I'm replying because I'm a newcomer and into the lifecycle study. I believe that there is always something new to contribute to science, whether its lifecycle has previously done or not. That depends on how one approaches a problem. I agree with Kalesh.S that rearing must be responsible in everyway and not just fun intended. Besides I would like to remind that the entire Lepidoptera classification has been built up on the foundation of collection and cabinet examination of specimens; and it is needed to settle the taxonomic identity of species which is still debated.Photographs may not be always helpful. Eg: Female butterflies of some skippers.
I don't disagree with Rohan Lovalekar because his intentions are good and opened a healthy debate, but I don't agree either.I believe that the number of cats depends on the study problem, if the researcher can reponsibly bring them to adulthood(except for those things beyond his control) and further(scope of releasing, how much specimens to be collected etc). For me ethics varies with individual views but generally follows responsible rearing, the one which wouldnot extirpate the local population in an area. Ethical collection always leave sustainable population in the natural habitat, sometimes even help to extend the range. I must ask, for my simple curiosity how much caterpillars of the said 35 Red-Pierrot caterpillars had reached adulthood, whether they were released into a place where they get food plants. Again, we must consider how many of them would have survived if left in the wild. For those who concerned too much about conservation, I would like to share some thoughts. In non-protecetd areas, most of the butterfly diversity comes from roadside shrubs, non timber trees, wasteland, river banks,non-maintained lands, scrubs etc..Most of these places offer some great nectaring grounds also. I've seen regular clearing up of these areas(funded and non-funded), which is increasing now. What about collection of fodder,grazing ,exploitation of medicinal pants, lopping of branches, cutting down of trees,invasive species,construction, drought....list is long. Myself have witnessed manytimes the loss of entire plant through such activities and felt relieved that I collected the cat before that. Then there are natural predators - birds, infections,together with anthropogenic activities make situation worse. Those caterpillars surviving all these hardships reach adulthood, are aesthetically appealing to all. Despite of fighting over individual viewpoints, what can be one to ameliorate such large scale destructions, how many of us can take up such work? I think that from conservation point of view,is equally important to reponsible rearing. regards Lekshmi.R -- Enjoy
