Exploring sub-lethal effects of exposure to a nucleopolyhedrovirus in the speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) butterfly

► Pararge aegeria were semi-permissive to infection with AcMNPV in the laboratory. ► Sublethal viral infection significantly increased larval development time. ► Reduced thorax mass in adults corresponded with longer larval development time. ► No significant effect of virus on other life history or wing morphology traits.