Chemosensory basis of behavioural plasticity in response to deterrent plant chemicals in the larva of the Small Cabbage White butterfly Pieris rapae

Behavioural and electrophysiological responsiveness to three chemically different secondary plant substances was studied in larvae of Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Three groups of caterpillars were studied that during their larval development were exposed to different rearing diets: an artificial diet or one of two host-plants, cabbage, Brassica oleracea, or nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus. In dual-choice leaf disc assays, caterpillars reared on cabbage were strongly deterred by the phenolic chlorogenic acid, the flavonol glycoside naringin and the alkaloid strychnine. However, behavioural plasticity was found in caterpillars reared on nasturtium or artificial diet in that these did not discriminate against chlorogenic acid. Caterpillars reared on the artificial diet were also significantly less sensitive to naringin and strychnine in the behavioural assay. Electrophysiological studies of the maxillary sensilla styloconica revealed that the deterrent neuron in the medial sensillum, but not in the lateral sensillum, of cabbage-reared caterpillars was more sensitive than the same neuron type of caterpillars reared on nasturtium or artificial diet. We conclude that (1) the diet-induced behavioural habituation to deterrents can at least partly be explained by chemosensory desensitisation of a generalist type of maxillary deterrent neuron; (2) behavioural cross-habituation to the three structurally diverse deterrent compounds can be traced back to cross-sensitivity for these compounds in the same gustatory neuron.     

Artificial diets for rearing the coconut hispine beetle Brontispa longissima and its parasitoid Asecodes hispinarum

We tested artificial diets for rearing the coconut hispine beetle, Brontispa longissima, a serious invasive pest of coconut (Cocos nucifera) in Southeast Asia. We examined three artificial diets that were identical except for their agar content. The survival rate from hatching to adult emergence was 26.0% when beetles were reared on a ‘soft diet’ (20 g/l agar), 16.0% on a ‘hard diet’ (40 g/l agar), and 41.0% on a ‘mixed diet’, in which the hard diet was used for the first instar and the soft diet for later instars. Females raised as larvae on the mixed diet and then as adults on the soft diet laid few eggs, which did not hatch. However, females reared on the mixed diet as larvae and then on fresh leaves as adults consistently laid eggs that hatched. We then examined the suitability of B. longissima larvae reared on the mixed diet as hosts for the larval parasitoid Asecodes hispinarum, a specialist parasitoid of this beetle. Of the oviposited hosts, 75.0% became mummified and 41.7% produced adult wasps. These results indicate that the mixed diet may be useful for rearing B. longissima larvae as hosts for the rearing of A. hispinarum.     

Two Meridic Diets for Perillus bioculatus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), a Predator of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Two artificial diets, devoid of insect components, were developed for the predator Perillus bioculatus (Fabricius). The diets based on chicken liver and tuna fish were designed to approach the nutritional characteristics of the primary insect prey, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) eggs. P. bioculatus was reared on diet 2 for 11 consecutive generations without cumulative detrimental effects on its biology. Developmental time and preovipositional period were significantly longer, and egg viability, survival from egg to adult, and fecundity were significantly lower in P. bioculatus individuals reared on artificial diets than in those reared on L. decemlineata eggs. A significant reduction in developmental time, increase in survival from egg to adult, and reduction in length of the preovipositional period were observed after 11 generations of in vitro reared P. bioculatus on diet 2. These changes may indicate that the predators experience some degree of adaptation to the diet after several consecutive generations of in vitro rearing. No changes in egg viability were observed after 11 generations of in vitro rearing. Adult female weight was unaffected when reared on artificial diet, but a significant increase was observed after 11 generations of in vitro rearing. Females under all treatments weighed an average of 11.6 mg more than the males.     

Composition of the Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) Midgut Microbiota as Affected by Rearing Conditions

The eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is one of the most destructive forest insect pests in Canada. Little is known about its intestinal microbiota, which could play a role in digestion, immune protection, communication and/or development. The present study was designed to provide a first characterization of the effects of rearing conditions on the taxonomic diversity and structure of the C. fumiferana midgut microbiota, using a culture-independent approach. Three diets and insect sources were examined: larvae from a laboratory colony reared on a synthetic diet and field-collected larvae reared on balsam fir or black spruce foliage. Bacterial DNA from the larval midguts was extracted to amplify and sequence the V6-V8 region of the 16S rRNA gene, using the Roche 454 GS-FLX technology. Our results showed a dominance of Proteobacteria, mainly Pseudomonas spp., in the spruce budworm midgut, irrespective of treatment group. Taxonomic diversity of the midgut microbiota was greater for larvae reared on synthetic diet than for those collected and reared on host plants, a difference that is likely accounted for by several factors. A greater proportion of bacteria from the phylum Bacteroidetes in insects fed artificial diet constituted the main difference between this group and those reared on foliage; within the phylum Proteobacteria, the presence of the genus Bradyrhizobium was also unique to insects reared on artificial diet. Strikingly, a Bray-Curtis analysis showed important differences in microbial diversity among the treatment groups, pointing to the importance of diet and environment in defining the spruce budworm midgut microbiota.     

Host-independent artificial rearing of Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: curculionidae)†

Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Harold) is a trunk boring pest of Ailanthus altissima in China and is a potential biological control agent for invasive A. altissima in the USA. In this study, we developed a host-independent artificial rearing method for E. brandti adults and larvae, including fresh thin slices of potato for adults and a potato-based diet (referred to as diet 6) for larvae. Adults reared on thin slices of potato oviposited normally and larvae reared on diet 6 exhibited successful pupation and eclosion and short developmental duration. The rates of larval survival, pupation, and adult emergence were 63.3?±?0.26, 86.7?±?0.42, and 93.5?±?0.33%, respectively. This method could be used for the mass rearing of E. brandti.     

Differences in the susceptibility of five herbivore species and developmental stages to tomato resistance induced by methyl jasmonate treatment

We compared the susceptibility of five herbivores to tomato resistance induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. We tested for lethal effects against five herbivores (Spodoptera litura, Mamestra brassicae, Frankliniella occidentalis, Tetranychus urticae, and Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata) at various MeJA concentrations. The mortality of all five herbivores increased significantly with increasing MeJA concentration. The 25 % lethal concentration was 0.03 μM for both first-instar larvae of S. litura and third-instar larvae of M. brassicae, 0.51 μM for third-instar larvae of S. litura, 0.76 μM for adult T. urticae, 2.4 μM for first-instar larvae of F. occidentalis, and 5.7 μM for first-instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata. Thus, the degree of susceptibility to MeJA-induced resistance of tomato was first-instar larvae of S. litura = third-instar larvae of M. brassicae > third-instar larvae of S. litura ≈ adult T. urticae > first-instar larvae of F. occidentalis > first-instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata. Mortality of first-instar larvae of M. brassicae was >90 % at all concentrations. Mortality of fourth-instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata (<7 %) was similar to that of the control at all MeJA concentrations. We also detected statistically significant weight loss of the surviving lepidopteran larvae, increased larval duration of F. occidentalis and H. vigintioctopunctata, and reduced egg production by T. urticae grown on MeJA-treated tomato, suggesting that the MeJA-induced resistance can control these herbivores, but effectiveness is different on different species and growth stage. Feeding by both M. brassicae and H. vigintioctopunctata larvae activated JA-inducible genes in tomato.     

Fitness of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) reared in an artificial diet

The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an economically important pest of corn. Finding simple, cheap, and suitable rearing techniques of O. furnacalis is an urgent need to support research for management of this insect. This research aimed to determine the suitability of a read bean and rice bran-based artificial diet used for mass rearing of this insect since 2009.The tested artificial diet was compared with the natural diet (sweet corn kernel) and each diet was tested in individual rearing method (one larva in each vial). The criteria used to justify the quality of diet and mass rearing procedure were based on the fitness of O. furnacalis. The degree of fitness was based on life history, growth, and development. In general, the fitness parameteres observed from O. furnacalis reared in the artificial diet at 25.7?±?1.6?°C with 57.7?±?3.8% RH, and L12:D12 were similar than those in the natural diet.Therefore, the existing artificial diet and rearing procedure were considered suitable and qualified for O. furnacalis. It is important to periodically check the laboratory colony to ensure that they have similar fitness to those found in the natural population.     

Artificial diets for rearing the coconut hispine beetle,Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and their suitability to two specialist parasitoids

The coconut hispine beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro), is a serious invasive pest that infests young unopened fronds of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) in Southeast Asia. We previously developed the first artificial diet for rearing B. longissima larvae, which contained a leaf powder of young coconut fronds. Because the fronds are required for healthy growth of coconut palms, it is necessary to reduce their use for rearing the beetles. In this study, we tested two new artificial diets for the beetle larvae, which contained the leaf powders of mature coconut leaves or orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Brontispa longissima successfully developed from hatching to adulthood on both the mature coconut leaf diet and orchard grass diet. The beetles reared on the mature coconut leaf diet and orchard grass diet developed faster than those reared on the young coconut leaf diet. Fecundity and egg hatchability of beetles did not differ among the three diet treatments. We then examined the suitability of beetle larvae or pupae reared on each diet as hosts for two specialist endoparasitoids, Asecodes hispinarum Boucek and Tetrastichus brontispae Ferriere. The survival rate from oviposition to adult emergence for A. hispinarum was 43.8% in hosts reared on a young coconut leaf diet, 77.1% on a mature coconut leaf diet, and 85.7% on an orchard grass diet. For T. brontispae, the survival rate was 70.0% in hosts reared on the young coconut leaf diet, 38.1% on the mature coconut leaf diet, and 66.7% on the orchard grass diet. Our results indicate these artificial diets can be useful for rearing B. longissima and its two parasitoids, helping to reduce the costs of mass rearing these insects.     

Effect of modified meridic diet on the development and growth of tomato fruitworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The efficacy of one new modified and two old meridic diets on Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for rearing six successive generations was studied. Duration of larval development for insects fed on the modified diet was considerably shortened as most of them went through only five stadia before pupation, while the per cent pupation and per cent eclosion were relatively higher than on other diets. The lowest pupal mortality (6.33 ± 0.13%) was recorded in the F₁ generation reared on the modified diet, whereas the highest pupal mortality (19.49 ± 0.15%) was observed in insects reared on a natural diet in the F₆ generation. Blending of chickpea Cicer arietinum L. and red kidney bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. flours with tomato paste proved highly favorable for adult reproduction. These results suggest that the vitality of the tomato fruitworm did not decline obviously after rearing on a modified diet for several generations.     

人工饲料与天然饲料饲养条件下烟青虫的生长发育和繁殖力比较

报道饲养烟青虫HelicoverpaassultaGue澖ee的一种人工饲料,比较了烟青虫取食该饲料和天然饲料的主要生物学指标,测定了6龄幼虫对2种食料的转化和利用率。该人工饲料的主要成分是麦胚、黄豆粉、酵母粉和烟叶粉,天然饲料为烟草叶片。结果表明:取食人工饲料的烟青虫幼虫生长发育快,化的蛹较大,成虫寿命长,产卵量大,所产卵孵化率高;取食人工饲料的烟青虫与取食烟草蒴果的相比,前者相对取食量和近似消化率较高,相对生长率无显著性差异。说明烟青虫对该人工饲料有较好的适应性,可以作为繁殖烟青虫的实用饲料。     

更换饲料对家蚕幼虫肠道细菌组成的影响及关键物种与产茧性能的相关性

【目的】本研究探讨使用人工饲料部分替代桑叶饲育后家蚕Bombyx mori幼虫肠道细菌群落的变化情况,并分析人工饲料替代桑叶的不同饲育模式下肠道关键细菌与蛹重和茧层量的相关性,为人工饲料部分替代法饲育家蚕的实际应用提供理论依据。【方法】采用全龄桑叶育(Mul1-5)、1-2龄人工饲料育+3-5龄桑叶育(Art1-2)、1-3龄人工饲料育+4-5龄桑叶育(Art1-3)、1-4龄人工饲料育+5龄桑叶育(Art1-4)和全龄人工饲料育(Art1-5) 5种饲养模式饲养家蚕幼虫,统计5种饲养模式下家蚕的全茧量、茧层量及蛹重;收集不同饲养模式下家蚕5龄幼虫肠道样品,通过高通量测序技术分析其肠道菌群的组成和多样性差异,采用Spearman相关性热图分析肠道细菌与蛹重和茧层量的相关性。【结果】人工饲料与桑叶不同搭配的饲育模式对家蚕茧质有显著的影响,Mul1-5和Art1-5的全茧量最高,二者无显著性差异,Art1-2其次; Mul1-5茧层量最高,Art1-2其次,Art1-5茧层量最低。在不同饲育模式下,家蚕肠道细菌多样性和组成显著不同：在门水平上,Art1-2和Mul1-5的细菌组成最相近,优势菌主要是变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和厚壁菌门(Firmicutes),而Art1-3, Art1-4和Art1-5的细菌组成最相近,变形菌门丰度随着人工饲料饲养时间的增加逐渐增加,厚壁菌门的丰度则呈现相反的趋势;在属水平上,家蚕肠道优势菌属有假单胞菌属Pseudomonas、肠球菌属Enterococcus、鞘脂单胞菌科未分类菌属Sphingomonadaceae unclassified及罗尔斯通菌属Ralstonia等。不同饲育模式下家蚕肠道菌属丰度差异最大的是肠球菌属,Art1-2组中肠球菌属丰度最高(40.9%),随着人工饲料饲养时间的延长,丰度逐渐降低,在Art1-5中仅为0.02%。家蚕肠道菌群大部分关键物种均与茧质呈一定的相关性：柯克斯体属Coxiella与蛹重呈显著正相关,与茧层量呈显著负相关;葡萄球菌属Staphylococcus与蛹重呈显著负相关;肠球菌属与茧层量呈显著正相关。【结论】饲育模式Art1-2最接近于Mul1-5,可为人工饲料部分替代桑叶饲育法饲育家蚕提供参考。人工饲料部分替代桑叶后家蚕肠道菌群结构发生了显著变化,肠球菌属丰度的显著降低及假单胞菌属的显著增加可能与全龄人工饲料养家蚕体质弱有关;一些关键细菌与家蚕蛹重和茧层量存在显著相关性,其影响机制需要进一步研究。     

Life table parameters, reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and estimated cost of rearing Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) on an artificial diet.

The impact of an insect-free artificial diet provided at nymphal and/or adult stage upon the developmental rate, life table parameters, and fertility table parameters was examined for Podisus maculiventris (Say). This study showed that when fed an insect-free artificial diet during both the nymphal and adult stage, developmental time was prolonged, preoviposition period was extended, and reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) were significantly lower than when fed larval insect prey at both nymphal and adult stages. Additionally, feeding larval prey to adults reared as nymphs on an artificial diet significantly increased the proportion of fertile females, the number of eggs laid by mated females, the reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of increase, but the mean generation time was not significantly different. Likewise, feeding artificial diet to adults reared on larval prey resulted in a significant reduction in reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of increase. The "realized" cost to rear P. maculiventris on the artificial diet was calculated (as the cost to double the population size) using raw material cost, fertility table parameters and doubling time values. Raw material cost for rearing P. maculiventris colony on Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was only 1.4 times higher than the cost of artificial diet raw materials required to rear the same size colony. However, the realized cost of rearing was 3.5 times higher when rearing on artificial diet because of the prolonged developmental time and reduced reproductive output. The cost efficiency of rearing a beneficial insect on an artificial diet that decreases the intrinsic rate of increase of a colony is discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of supplementing adult diets with natural prey at the reproductive stage.     

Artificial diet for the Japanese nine‐spotted moth Amata fortunei fortunei (Arctiidae: Syntominae)

The Japanese nine‐spotted moth Amata fortunei has not been successfully reared using artificial diets. We investigated three diets for rearing A. fortunei from egg to adult: (i) leaves of common dandelion Taraxacum officinale (DL); (ii) an artificial diet used to rear the silkworm Bombyx mori (Insecta LFS^®; AD); and (iii) a mixture of AD and an artificial mouse diet (MF). The survival rate from the first instar to adult emergence on AD + MF (80.77%) was significantly higher than that on AD or DL (30.77 and 20.0%, respectively). No significant differences in developmental periods at each stage were found among the diets. Moreover, body size indices of larvae reared on AD + MF were the same as or greater than those of larvae reared on the other diets and of wild individuals. Larval nutritional indices showed that food requirements changed after the third instar; this agrees with our observations of cannibalism and survival rate. Our results suggest that AD + MF is a suitable artificial diet for A. fortunei.     

Flexible responses to visual and olfactory stimuli by foraging Manduca sexta: larval nutrition affects adult behaviour

Here, we show that the consequences of deficient micronutrient (β-carotene) intake during larval stages of Manduca sexta are carried across metamorphosis, affecting adult behaviour. Our manipulation of larval diet allowed us to examine how developmental plasticity impacts the interplay between visual and olfactory inputs on adult foraging behaviour. Larvae of M. sexta were reared on natural (Nicotiana tabacum) and artificial laboratory diets containing different concentrations of β-carotene (standard diet, low β-carotene, high β-carotene and cornmeal). This vitamin-A precursor has been shown to be crucial for photoreception sensitivity in the retina of M. sexta. After completing development, post-metamorphosis, starved adults were presented with artificial feeders that could be either scented or unscented. Regardless of their larval diet, adult moths fed with relatively high probabilities on scented feeders. When feeders were unscented, moths reared on tobacco were more responsive than moths reared on β-carotene-deficient artificial diets. Strikingly, moths reared on artificial diets supplemented with increasing amounts of β-carotene (low β and high β) showed increasing probabilities of response to scentless feeders. We discuss these results in relationship to the use of complex, multi-modal sensory information by foraging animals.     

Effects of Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) expressed in tomato leaves on larvae of the tomato moth Lacanobia oleracea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the effect of GNA on the development of the endoparasitoid Meteorus gyrator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

The effect of ingestion of transgenic tomato leaves expressing the plant lectin Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) on development of larvae of Lacanobia oleracea (Linnaeus) was studied under laboratory conditions. When L. oleracea larvae were fed on tomato line 14.1H, expressing approximately 2.0% GNA, significant increases in the mean larval weight and in the amount of food consumed were found. This resulted in an overall reduction in the mean development time to the pupal stage of approximately 7 days. A significant increase in the percentage survival to the adult moth was also recorded when newly hatched larvae were reared on transgenic tomato leaves (72%) compared to larvae reared on untransformed leaves (40%). The effects of ingestion of GNA by L. oleracea larvae, via artificial diet or the leaves of transgenic tomato or potato plants, on the subsequent development of its solitary endoparasitoid Meteorus gyrator (Thunberg) was also studied. No significant effects on the life cycle parameters of M. gyrator developing in L. oleracea fed on GNA-containing diets were observed. Experiments with transgenic potato plants indicated that the stadium of the host larvae at parasitism had a greater influence on M. gyrator development than the presence of GNA. Potential GNA-binding glycoproteins were detected in the gut and body tissues of larval M. gyrator. Despite detection in host tissues, GNA could not be detected in adult M. gyrator and therefore it is likely that at the time of pupation M. gyrator are able to void the GNA in the meconial pellet.     

幼虫食物对甜菜夜蛾生长发育、繁殖及飞行的影响

报道了人工饲料、圆白菜和玉米苗三种食物对甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua发育历期、蛹重以及成虫产卵和飞行能力的影响。幼虫取食人工饲料时发育历期最短,蛹最重(138 mg),产卵量最高(643粒);在12 h的吊飞测试中,成虫飞行距离最远(25.5 km),飞行时间最长(6.2 h),飞行超过10 km的个体占67.9%,超过5 h的占60.7%。幼虫取食玉米苗时发育历期最长,蛹最轻(52 mg),产卵量最低(416粒),成虫仅能飞行3.3 km,1.7 h,飞行超过10 km或5 h的个体均仅占4.2%,各项指标均显著低于人工饲料组。幼虫取食圆白菜时各项指标与人工饲料组基本相似(幼虫历期和蛹重除外),而显著优于玉米苗组(幼虫历期除外)。这些结果表明,幼虫食物对甜菜夜蛾的生长发育、产卵及飞行能力均有显著的影响,因而是影响其个体发育、种群增长及种群动态的重要因素之一。同时,由于取食本人工饲料的各项指标均优于其它两种食料植物,因而可作为饲养甜菜夜蛾的实用饲料。     

Optimization of Methodology for Rearing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera albula</Emphasis> on Artificial Diet

Advances in techniques for rearing insects on artificial diets are fundamental to solving issues of basic and applied entomology. In this study, we evaluated the development of Spodoptera albula (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on three artificial diets used for other species of Lepidoptera, at three larval densities, and two densities of adult couples housed in oviposition cages of two sizes, with the aim of optimizing methodology for rearing S. albula in the laboratory. Biological parameters were recorded from S. albula, and a fitness index was calculated based on the larval survival and duration and weight of pupae. The total and daily oviposition was recorded using 5 or 10 adult couples of S. albula housed in two cage sizes. Concentrations of total nitrogen and protein in the tested diets were determined. Development of S. albula was completed in all artificial diets; however, the diet used for rearing Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) larvae was the most suitable for S. albula, yielding intermediate development time and higher survival relative to the other diets. Individualization of larvae favored S. albula development by producing overall greater weights of larvae and pupae, higher survival rates, and longer adult longevity. Cage size and number of couples per cage did not influence S. albula fecundity in the experiment conditions. Spodoptera albula can be satisfactorily reared on the artificial diet used for A. gemmatalis, using one larva per tube, and either density of adults at any cage size. Additional amendments are needed in the rearing methodology to achieve optimal conditions for larval development to adulthood.     

New larval agar-based diet for laboratory rearing of Mediterranean fruit fly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratitis capitata</Emphasis> (Diptera,Tephritidae)

Five larval diets for laboratory rearing of Ceratitis capitata were tested. These diets were based on wheat bran, microcellulose, potato starch and agar. To evaluate the quality of diet, pupal rearing efficacy and pupal weight were checked. The best results were obtained with an agar based diet used for Manduca sexta laboratory rearing. To simplify the preparation and to reduce the cost of this diet, a new formulation was developed. Larvae reared on the new agar-based diet achieved higher pupal rearing efficacy than larvae reared on bran diet recently used in medfly mass rearing facilities. Heat treated medflies reared on the new agar-based diet achieved similar pupal rearing efficacy with heat treated medflies reared on bran diet. When testing population density, higher pupal rearing efficacy was again achieved on new diet. The highest pupal rearing efficacy was achieved with 100 eggs per 25 g of diet, lowest with 500 eggs per 25 g of diet. Concerning pupal weight, there was no difference in results achieved on Petri dishes with different larval population densities. Larvae reared on new agar-based diet reached better results than larvae reared on bran diet. The preparation of the new diet is simple and the cost is low, so it is good for laboratory tests and rearing.     

Fitness and predation potential of Macrolophus pygmaeus reared under artificial conditions

Abstract The biological parameters of Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur after prolonged rearing in the absence of plant materials were compared with those of conventionally plant‐reared predators. When eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller were provided as food, developmental and reproductive fitness of M. pygmaeus reared for over 30 consecutive generations using artificial living and oviposition substrates was similar to that of predators kept on tobacco leaves. Plantless‐reared fifth instars of the predator also had similar predation rates on second instars of the tobacco aphid, Myzus persicae nicotianae Blackman, as their peers maintained on plant materials. In a further experiment, predation on aphid prey by fifth instar M. pygmaeus fed one of two egg yolk‐based artificial diets was compared with that of nymphs fed E. kuehniella eggs. Despite their lower body weights, predators produced on either artificial diet killed similar numbers of prey as their counterparts reared on lepidopteran eggs. Our study indicates that artificial rearing systems may be useful to further rationalize the production of this economically important biological control agent.     

不同食料植物对棉铃虫生长发育和繁殖的影响

报道了棉花、烟草、番茄和辣椒4种植物对棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera生长发育和繁殖的影响。棉铃虫成虫喜欢在番茄上产卵,在辣椒上的着卵量最少。初孵幼虫喜选食嫩棉叶,选食辣椒嫩叶的虫数最少。4组幼虫取食嫩叶时的平均相对生长速率都有显著差异,顺序为棉叶组>烟叶组>番茄叶组>辣椒叶组。幼虫存活率以取食棉花时最高,取食番茄时最低。棉花组成虫的产卵量最高,烟草组的产卵量最低。取食棉花的棉铃虫种群增长的速度约为取食番茄时的14倍。6龄幼虫能有效利用和转化棉铃、烟草蒴果、辣椒果实,而对番茄果实的利用和转化效率较低。棉铃虫可分别以这4种植物的不同器官为食完成世代循环。其中,棉花是最适宜的寄主,辣椒和番茄是较不适宜的寄主。