Abstract of Thesis Presented to the Graduate School
 of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the
 Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science

 BUTTERFLY ABUNDANCES, LARVAL PREDATION, AND EGG PARASITISM AS
 DETERMINED BY PROXIMITY TO BUTTERFLY FARMS
 IN FLORIDA AND COSTA RICA

 By

 John Courtland Whelan

 August 2008

Chair: Thomas C. Emmel
Cochair: Jaret C. Daniels
Maj or: Entomology and Nematology

 Butterfly farming is an emerging and rapidly growing industry, both in developed and

developing nations around the world. As an industry focused on breeding butterflies for sale,

while providing a number of incentives to local communities such as jobs, revenue, education,

and conservation, these farms are becoming popular enterprises and ecotourism destinations.

However, little is known about the impacts of these farms from a biological and ecological

viewpoint. This study aimed to collect data on 1) wild butterfly abundance, as indicated by

oviposition rates, 2) larval predation, and 3) egg parasitism rates to determine any effect that

proximity to the farm epicenter might have on each factor. Additionally, the experiment was

duplicated in north central Florida, U.S.A and Guanacaste, Costa Rica, to test for any similarities

or differences in the aforementioned factors and variables that may be attributable to location. It

was found that butterflies tended to oviposit in greater numbers closer to the farm epicenter in

north central Florida, suggesting that the farm could serve as an attractive force for gravid female

butterflies. Although untested, components of the farm, such as enhanced host and nectar plant

biomasses and high levels of conspecific density, could contribute to the higher butterfly

abundance closer to the farm. The effect these components have on butterfly abundances and the