Experiments on the responses of the larval stages of the geometrid moth Ectropis excursaria to light and gravity

The intensity-response curve to light in a vertical plane (where gravity was a conflicting stimulus to light) and a horizontal plane (where gravity was not a conflicting stimulus) suggests that the climbing behaviour of the first instar Ectropis excursaria (Guénée) is consistent with a summation of response to gravity and a response to light. Response to gravity was affected by the curvature of the crawling surface and the level of food deprivation of the caterpillars. On a 2 cm diameter crawling surface orientation to gravity occurred at an inclination between 20° and 30° from the horizontal. In a centrifugal field, a behaviour analogous to negative geotaxis occurred at accelerations of 3.5 ms^–2. Analysis of the geotactic turning tendencies of the caterpillar on flat inclined planes suggests that they exhibit meta-geotactic behaviour from inclinations of 40 to 90°. Negative geotaxis was exhibited by the caterpillars of later stadia although a response to gravity was lacking in the prepupal wandering caterpillars. The pre-pupal stage was also characterized by a reversal of the response to light.

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Résumé Un comportement d'escalade du premier stade d'E. excursaria correspondant à l'addition des réponses à la gravité et à la lumière, est suggéré par la courbe d'intensité de la réponse à la lumière, dans un plan vertical (où la gravité constitue un stimulus en opposition avec la lumière) et un plan horizontal (où la gravité n'est pas en opposition). La réponse à la gravité a été modifiée par la courbure de la surface à escalader et du degré de privation d'aliment des chenilles. Sur une surface d'escalade de 2 cm de diamètre, l'orientation par rapport à la gravité se produit entre 20 et 30° par rapport à l'horizontale. Das run champ de centrifugation, un comportement analogue à une géotaxis négative se produit pour une accélération de 3,5 m s^–2. L'analyse des tendances géotactiques des chenilles à tourner sur des plans inclinés suggère qu'elles présentent un comportement métagéotactique pour les inclinaisons de 40 à 90°. Des expériences d'immobilisation laissent penser que les antennes jouent un rôle dans la perception de la gravité. Les chenilles de stades ultérieurs ont présenté une géotaxie négative bien que la réponse à la gravité disparaisse chez les chenilles vagabondes en prénymphe. La prénymphose est aussi caractérisée par une inversion des réponses à la lumière.

     

Fluctuating asymmetry and survival ability in the forest tent caterpillar mothMalacosoma disstria: implications for pest management

Fluctuating asymmetry of the first tarsal segment of the proleg of the forest tent caterpiller mothMalacosoma disstria Hbn. (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) was significantly inversely related to survival ability in the lab. The monitoring of population levels of fluctuating asymmetry could have important implications in pest management of this and other species by providing an indication of the health of a population.     

Observations of predator-prey interaction on dispersal of an oligochaete prey,Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri

Clumped patches of the oligochaete, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, were subjected to predation by the leech, Erpobdella punctata to determine how the dispersion pattern might change. Two separate experiments showed that worms left the patch in 39% and 48% greater numbers when the leech predator was present. This suggests that L. hoffmeisteri uses a antipredatory strategy of dispersal rather than clumping.     

水流对莲草直胸跳甲种群存活和扩散的影响

【背景】水流是外来入侵生物传播蔓延的重要方式之一,特别是水生生物。水生杂草在水流传播过程中也经常携带其天敌从一个地方传播到另一个地方,如莲草直胸跳甲经常随着空心莲子草在水流中传播。研究水流对莲草直胸跳甲存活的影响及其对种群迁移的间接协助作用,可为解析该天敌抵御洪涝灾害和借助水流传播的能力提供科学依据。【方法】本研究以莲草直胸跳甲为研究对象,在室内进行水流模拟,比较水流转速（1000、1250和1750r.min-1）和时间（30、60、90和120min）对不同虫态莲草直胸跳甲（雌雄成虫、幼虫和卵）存活率的影响,并推算莲草直胸跳甲成虫和幼虫在野外随水流传播的最大距离。【结果】水流速度对昆虫的存活和发育具有一定影响。在不同旋转时间和转速下,雌雄成虫的存活率较高,幼虫次之,卵的存活率最低;雌虫随水流传播能达到的最远距离最大,雄虫次之,传播距离最小的是幼虫。【结论与意义】莲草直胸跳甲可随水流进行远距离传播和自然扩散,对于利用莲草直胸跳甲防治空心莲子草,缓解水渠和河道的堵塞非常有利。     

Colonization of vineyards by phytoseiid mites: their dispersal patterns in the plot and their fate

The effect of wind and woody margins on the dispersal and population dynamics of phytoseiid mites was studied in a vine plot for a period of two years. Mites were sampled in the plot and in the surrounding vegetation (crops and natural vegetation) in order to determine phytoseiid mite abundance. The surrounding vegetation was considered to be a reservoir of phytoseiids from where the vine plot could be invaded. Directional and non-directional soil and aerial traps were placed in the plot to determine predatory mite exchange between the two areas. Colonization of the plot occurred in two stages: first, mite migration into the plot, followed by their establishment. The two-year study partially clarified the first of these two stages. Kampimodromus aberrans was the main species caught in the aerial traps. Phytoseiid mite dispersal within the vine plot seemed to be affected by both wind (direction, intensity and regularity) and phytoseiid mite density in the woody margin. However, the woody margin had a large effect only over a short distance. Some observations pointed towards an effect of other reservoir areas but it was not possible to characterize these. The population density of the phytoseiid mites in the plot increased from 1996 to 1998, but these increases are much smaller than one would expect on the basis of the number of mites migrating by air in the plot. Moreover, blocks where most mites were trapped were not the blocks where densities of phytoseiid mites on vine leaves were the largest. It therefore seems likely that not all migrants were able to develop. Their settlement pattern was not determined and this could constitute a potential research focus for the future.     

The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phthonandria atrilineata</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Using long-polymerase chain reaction (Long-PCR) method, we determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Phthonandria atrilineata. The complete mtDNA from P. atrilineata was 15,499 base pairs in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region. The P. atrilineata genes were in the same order and orientation as the completely sequenced mitogenomes of other lepidopteran species. The nucleotide composition of P. atrilineata mitogenome was biased toward A + T nucleotides (81.02%), and the 13 PCGs show different A + T contents that range from 73.25% (cox1) to 92.12% (atp8). Phthonandria had the canonical set of 22 tRNA genes, that fold in the typical cloverleaf structure described for metazoan mt tRNAs, with the unique exception of trnS(AGN). The phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed with the concatenated sequences of the 13 PCGs of the mitochondrial genome, which confirmed that P. atrilineata is most closely related to the superfamily Bombycoidea.     

Analysis of odorant-binding proteins in antennae of a geometrid species, Ascotis selenaria cretacea, which produces lepidopteran Type II sex pheromone components

Information on the olfactory system in antennae of Geometridae moths is very limited, and odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) working as transporters of lipophilic odors have not been identified. In the first investigation on this family of insects, we examined antennal OBPs of the Japanese giant looper, Ascotis selenaria cretacea. RT-PCR experiments using several pairs of degenerate primers designed from known cDNA sequences encoding lepidopteran OBPs successfully amplified partial sequences of two pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs), named AscrPBP1 and AscrPBP2 in reference to their corresponding nucleotide sequence homologies with other PBPs. Using 5′- and 3′-rapid amplification of cDNA end strategies, a cDNA clone for AscrPBP1 encoding a protein of 141 amino acids was isolated. Western blotting with the antiserum against recombinant AscrPBP1 overexpressed in Escherichia coli showed that the AscrPBP1 gene was more strongly expressed in male antennae than in female antennae. Furthermore, natural AscrPBP1was isolated by immunoprecipitation with the antiserum, and its binding ability was evaluated by using synthetic sex pheromonal compounds with a C₁₉ chain. The result indicated that AscrPBP1 bound not only the pheromone components, 3,6,9-nonadecatriene and its 3,4-epoxy derivative, but also unnatural 6,7- and 9,10-epoxy derivatives. While no general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) were amplified in the RT-PCR experiments, two antisera prepared from GOBP1 and GOBP2 of Bombyx mori suggested the occurrence of at least two GOBPs in the A. s. cretacea antennae.     

Relative importance of ballistic and ant dispersal in two diplochorous Viola species (Violaceae)

Viola is one of the diplochorous plant genera that disperse their seeds in two ways, ballistic and ant dispersal. We compared the seed dispersal of two major Viola species of northern Japan, V. selkirkii and V. verecunda. The mean weight of seed was less in V. verecunda (0.42 ± SD 0.03 mg) than in V. selkirkii (0.61 ± 0.12 mg). The elaiosome of V. selkirkii (0.02 ± 0.004 mg) was larger than in of V. verecunda (0.006 ± 0.0004 mg), whereas the lipid component of elaiosome was not remarkably different between the two species. In ballistic dispersal, the mean dispersal distance was 56.0 ± 17.5 cm in V. verecunda but only 38.3 ± 5.1 cm in V. selkirkii. In ant dispersal, the mean dispersal distance was 28.1 ± 24.9 cm in V. selkirkii and 36.1 ± 33.7 cm in V. verecunda; however, the seed removal frequency of V. selkirkii (15.5%) was much higher than that of V. verecunda (3.0%). These results suggest that V. selkirkii is more dependent on ant dispersal while V. verecunda is more dependent on ballistic dispersal. The effect of seed predation was very serious in both species. In the quadrat census, 99.0% of V. selkirkii seeds and 99.1% of V. verecunda seeds were damaged by ground beetles, spiders, ticks, and others which frequently devoured diaspores. An experiment with V. verecunda seeds demonstrated that the overdispersion of seeds on the forest floor enhanced the frequency of removal by ants and reduced seed damage by predators.     

Effects of temperature, multiple allelochemicals and larval age on the performance of a specialist caterpillar

To understand the mechanisms underlying plant-insect herbivore interactions, it is necessary to examine the simultaneous effects of temperature, food quality and larval age. We examined the simultaneous effects of three allelochemicals (tomatine, rutin and chlorogenic acid) on the performance of first and second instar Manduca sexta larvae under two representative thermal regimes 21 : 10°C and 26 : 15°C for spring and summer, respectively. Thermal regime and allelochemicals interacted to influence the time from egg hatch to ecdysis to the third instar. On average, it took about half as much time to reach the third instar at 26 : 15°C as it did at 21 : 10°C. Separately, tomatine and rutin had a negative effect on developmental time from egg hatch to the third instar, but their simutaneous effects were not additive. Chlorogenic acid significantly reduced the negative effect of tomatine. The magnitude of the allelochemical effect was larger at the cooler thermal regime compared to the warmer regime. For instance, chlorogenic acid by itself had no effect at the 26 : 15°C regime, but at the 21 : 10°C regime it significantly shortened total developmental time. The effect of chlorogenic acid on stadium duration was distinctly different for the two instars. Chlorogenic acid shortened stadium duration of first instar larvae. However, depending on thermal regime and the presence of tomatine, chlorogenic acid had a negative, positive or neutral effect on stadium duration of second instar larvae. Molting duration of second instar larvae was shortened by a half day at the warmer thermal regime but was not affected by the allelochemicals. Final larval weight was influenced by rutin and chlorogenic acid. Caterpillars fed diets containing 20 moles of rutin were on average 10% lighter than those fed plain diet, whereas those fed diets containing 20 moles of chlorogenic adic were on average 7% heavier. However, the effect of chlorogenic acid depended on thermal regime. Overall, our results indicated that: 1) temperature and food quality can interact to influence insect performance and 2) these effects are influenced by larval age.     

The influence of constant and fluctuating temperatures on development rate and survival of pupae of the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina

Functions describing instantaneous development rates in constant and natural temperature regimes were obtained for pupae of the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann). These were derived using a technique that directly calculates rate functions from development-time observations made under any temperature regime. The functions indicated similar instantaneous development rates for constant and natural temperatures up to 30°C. At 30° the constant-temperature function reached a plateau which was maintained to the constant-temperature thermal limit. The natural-temperature function, however, continued its ascending phase to 34°, and then fell sharply to zero at 42°.The median survival temperatures of pupae for single 7-h exposures, daily 7-h exposures, and continuous exposures to high temperatures were 44.7, 39.2, and 34.4°, respectively. Development was completed at constant 15° but not at 10°. Median survival times at constant 10, 5, 0 and-5° were 4.3, 4.2, 2.5 and 1.5 days. Mortality was slight for single or daily 7-h exposures to-5°, but was complete for all except brief single exposures to-10°.

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Influence des températures constantes et de la thermopériode sur le taux de développement et la survie des pupes de Lucilia cuprina

Résumé Des fonctions associant les taux de développement aux températures en conditions constantes et en thermopériodes naturelles ont été établies pour les pupes de L. cuprina. La fonction pour les conditions naturelles décrit les taux de développement immédiat-c'est-à-dire les taux de développement existant en réponse à la température pour chaque laps de temps (en réalité, pour un court intervalle), plutôt que le taux moyen pour une gamme de températures. La fonction pour les températures constantes décrit à la fois les taux de développement instantané et moyen (ceux-ci étant équivalents, en ne supposant pas de réponses spécifiques suivant l'âge en conditions constantes). Les fonctions ont été dérivées en utilisant une technique qui calcule directement les fonctions des taux à partir des observations sur les durées de développement faites dans chaque condition de température.Les fonctions ont révélé des taux de développement instantanés semblables pour les températures jusqu'à 30°C. A 30°C la fonction pour la température constante a atteint un plateau qui s'est maintenu jusqu'à la limite thermique. La fonction pour les thermopériodes naturelles a continué de s'élever jusqu'a 34°C, et alors a chuté brutalement jusqu'à zéro à 42°C. Dans la région d'où les lots de pupes ont été obtenus les températures subies par les pupes dans les zones non ombragées dépassent fréquemment 50°C pendant l'été. Les taux de développement des pupes aux températures au dessus de 30°C, où les fonctions avec températures constantes et thermopériodes deviennent différentes, sont cependant cohérent avec les expériences dans la nature avec L. cuprina. Les températures médianes de survie des pupes pour une exposition unique de 7 h, pour des expositions quotidiennes de 7 h et pour une exposition constante à haute température étaient respectivement de 44,7; 39, 2 et 34,4°C. Par comparaison avec des températures estivales du sol de 50°C et plus, il semble vraisemblable que la mortalité nymphale est un facteur important de déclin des populations de L. cuprina au milieu de l'été.

     

The interactive effects of competition and predation risk on dispersal in an insect

Dispersal dynamics have significant consequences for ecological and evolutionary processes. Previous work has demonstrated that dispersal can be context-dependent. However, factors affecting dispersal are typically considered in isolation, despite the probability that individuals make dispersal decisions in response to multiple, possibly interacting factors. We examined whether two ecological factors, predation risk and intraspecific competition, have interactive effects on dispersal dynamics. We performed a factorial experiment in mesocosms using backswimmers (Notonecta undulata), flight-capable, semi-aquatic insects. Emigration rates increased with density, and increased with predation risk at intermediate densities; however, predation had minimal effects on emigration at high and low densities. Our results indicate that factorial experiments may be required to understand dispersal dynamics under realistic ecological conditions.     

Application of radiotelemetry to the survey of acorn dispersal byApodemus mice

We examined the applicability of radiotelemetry to studies of acorn dispersal byApodemus mice and compared its efficiency with the of this spool-and-line method. Installation of a transmitter (2.2 g) onto acorns did not interfere with the transporting and feeding behavior of the mice. We were able to detect all transmitter-installed acorns and follow the daily changes in the sites in which they were hoarded, while we missed 59% of the spool-tied acorns due to mice breaking the threads. Mice carried transmitter-installed acorns farther than spool-tied ones. The radiotelemetry method is superior to the spool-and-line method and useful for the study of hoarding behavior in rodents.     

Evidence of partial anadromy and resident-form dispersal bias on a fine scale in populations of Oncorhynchus mykiss

We examine sympatric anadromous (steelhead) and nonanadromous (resident) rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from neighboring locations to test three hypotheses: (1) the sympatric life history types are not genetically different; (2) fine-scale dispersal is the same for both sexes, and (3) fine-scale dispersal is the same for steelhead and resident individuals. Data from 13 microsatellite loci reveal no genetic difference between sympatric steelhead and resident O. mykiss but moderate population structure (F _ST=0.019–0.028) between adjacent samples, regardless of life history type. Our results provide further evidence of partial anadromy and suggest that geographic proximity and genetic history, more than migratory type, should be considered when identifying populations for use in restoration of local genetic diversity. We find evidence of resident-form dispersal bias on a fine spatial scale, however, we find no evidence that fine-scale dispersal varies by gender. Conservation strategies should aim to maintain resident and anadromous forms when they occur in sympatry, as they may be important in facilitating gene flow on small and large spatial scales, respectively.     

Germination and water dispersal of seeds from a threatened plant species Penthorum chinense

To conserve a threatened plant species (Penthorum chinense Pursh) in Japan, seed germination responses to pretreatment (imbibition and/or chilled), temperature and light, and seed dispersal by water were examined. The seeds collected from abandoned paddy fields in a warm temperate region, central Japan, germinated in light (14 h photoperiod; light 22°C, dark 21°C) after a moist-chilled treatment. After this pretreatment, the seeds germinated well at 10–25°C (optimum temperature 15°C), but did not germinate in darkness even at the optimum temperature. Most of the seeds floated on distilled water, but 20–60% of the seeds that were collected from several populations sank in distilled water, indicating dimorphism in seed dispersal by water. The floating and sunken seeds did not show significant differences in weight and germination rate within a population. The addition of a surface-active agent in distilled water submerged the seeds, indicating that the buoyancy of the seeds is attributable to an oil coating on the seed surface that enhances the interfacial tension on the seeds. Three times the number of seeds sank in river water collected from a rural area than in distilled water. A greater number of seeds also sank in water that had increasing concentrations of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate, which is a major component of synthetic detergents. This suggests that the water dispersal of this species is suppressed by surface-active agents, including detergents, in river water.     

Nutrient enrichment promotes survival and dispersal of drifting fragments in an invasive tropical macroalga

The effect of nutrient availability on growth, survival, and photosynthetic performance of drifting fragments of the invasive red alga Hypnea musciformis was studied in Maui (Hawaii), where this species smothers native reef communities and forms localized blooms. H. musciformis does not sexually reproduce in Hawaii and drifting fragments represent the only pathway by which H. musciformis can disperse and invade new areas. Growth rates decreased with age and approached zero when fragments aged 32 days. Increased nutrient availability did not result in increased relative growth rates during this period. In contrast to growth, photosynthetic performance remained unaffected through time and showed no clear relationship with nutrient availability. Increased nutrient availability increased fragment survival and fragments survived for >2 months in the high nutrient treatment (3.0 μmolPO₄ + 30.0 μmolNH₄). This indicates that increased nutrient availability increases the dispersal potential of H. musciformis. Low growth rates of drifting Hypnea fragments increased recruitment success since attachment success of this epiphytic species decreased with increasing fragment size. H. musciformis thus uses resources for survival and maintenance rather than growth, resulting in long competency periods and optimal recruitment, which likely contribute to its success as an invader of Hawaiian reef communities.     

Adult philopatry and dispersal in the field vol Microtus agrestis

Summary Using mark-recapture data, we related the movements of adult field voles to population density, sex ratio and population growth. Dispersal movements (defined as distances larger than 1 home range diameter) were few in both sexes; 4 out of 197 (2.0%) in males and 8 of 316 (2.5%) in females. The distance moved between sequential trapping periods was similar for males and females; the mean being 10.2 m and 9.0 m respectively. Both males and females moved larger distances during the breeding season than during the nonbreeding period. The distance moved between sequential trapping periods showed a strong negative relation to density, i.e. both sexes moved shorter distances at higher densities, but there were no differences between periods of increasing and declining population densities. These results contradict the dispersal predictions of all major hypotheses proposed to explain population fluctuations in small mammals. The dispersal patterns fit a geometric distribution, suggesting that competition is the primary factor determining the dispersal characteristics of this population.     

Seed dispersal of the Korean pine,Pinus koraiensis,by the red squirrel,Sciurus vulgaris

Seed hoarding behavior of the red squirrel,Sciurus vulgaris, was studied in relation to the amount of dispersed seeds of the Korean pine,Pinus koraiensis, and the distribution of its seedlings. After removing a cone from a tree, squirrels sat on the ground and ripped off its cone scales before transporting it. A mean of 3.2 seeds were scatter-hoarded per hole. Of 7.7×10⁴ mature seeds produced in a 0.21 ha planted Korean pine forest, 22% were estimated to be directly eaten by four squirrels, 9% were hoarded by them in the pine forest and 65% were cached outside the forest. Squirrels rediscovered hoarded seeds frequently, until the ground was covered with snow, during the period from snow fall until seed germination the next spring, few hoarded seeds were utilized. Korean pine seedlings were found up to 600 m from their mother trees. Scatter-hoarding by squirrels extensively contributes to seed dispersal to places suitable for the regeneration of the Korean pine. The large size of the cone, the absciss-layer at the cone penduncle, the infrequent dehiscence of cone scales, the large and wingless seeds, and the thick seed-coats have probably all been specialized to facilitate utilization by GenusSciurus.     

A phylogeny of Anisophylleaceae based on six nuclear and plastid loci: ancient disjunctions and recent dispersal between South America, Africa, and Asia

The Anisophylleaceae comprise 29-34 species of shrubs and trees occurring in lowland forests and swamps in tropical Africa, Asia, and South America. These species are placed in four genera with disjunct geographic distributions; Anisophyllea has 25-30 species in South America, Africa, and Malesia; Combretocarpus has one species in Sumatra and Borneo; Poga one species in equatorial Africa; and Polygonanthus two in the Amazon Basin. Here we use a phylogeny based on six nuclear and plastid loci sequenced for 15 species representing the four genera to infer their relationships and the relative and absolute ages of the range disjunctions. Combretocarpus is sister to the other three genera, and Polygonanthus then sister to Poga and Anisophyllea. Ansiophyllea, represented by 12 species from all three continents, is monophyletic. A relaxed Bayesian clock calibrated with the oldest fossils from a relevant outgroup, Tetramelaceae, suggests that the disjunctions between Combretocarpus, Poga, and Polygonanthus date back to the Cretaceous, Mid-, and Upper Eocene, whereas the intercontinental disjunctions within Anisophyllea appear to date back only some 22-23 million years and thus probably result from long-distance dispersal.     

Seed dispersal and seedling emergence in an old field community in central New York (USA)

Summary Seed dispersal and seedling emergence of common taxa growing in a Solidago-dominated old field in central New York (USA) were monitored from May 1982 to June 1984. Over 3.5x10⁴ seeds per m² were captured on seed traps in each of the two years, with peaks occuring in July (due to Hieracium) and in November (due to Solidago). About 4.0x10³ seedling/m² emerged beneath the intact community in each of the two years. Although seedlings emerged predominantly in the early spring, a secondary peak occurred in September and October when many seedlings of introduced grasses appeared. Two additional aspects of the reproductive biology of the major taxa were related to the seasonal timing of seed dispersal: As the date of peak seed dispersal (among taxa) became progressively later in the season, (1) the duration of dispersal increased from about one week to about one-half year, and (2) the delay between the peak of seed dispersal and the peak of seedling emergence increased from a few days to about one-half year.     

The effect of variation in host plant on the growth of an oligophagous insect, Malacosoma americanum and its polyphagous relative, Malacosoma disstria

Larvae of Malacosoma americanum (F.)(Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) an oligophagous species that feeds primarily on Prunus and other rosaceous trees, were compared to larvae of the more highly polyphagous congener M. disstria Hb., with respect to their sensitivity to variation in the foliage of a common host plant, Prunus serotina Ehrh. Pupal weight and time to pupation were measured on larvae reared on foliage from open-grown and from shaded saplings. The difference in foliage had a pronounced effect, but no difference was evident between the species in their response to the variation in foliage. This comparison implies that sensitivity to intraspecific variation in host quality does not differ between host-specific and generalized species. However, results from other species suggest that some species of insects do differ in this respect.

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Zusammenfassung Raupen von Malacosoma americanum (F.), einer oligophagen Art, die sich vor allem auf Prunus und andern baumartigen Rosaceen entwickelt, wurden verglichen mit Raupen der polyphageren Verwandten M. disstria Hb. und zwar im Hinblick auf deren Empfindlichkeit auf Unterschiede im Blatt ihrer gemeinsamen Wirtspflanze, Prunus serotina Ehrh. Das Puppengewicht und die Entwicklungszeit bis zur Verpuppung wurden gemessen bei Raupen, welche auf Blättern von freiwachsenden und von beschatteten Jungpflanzen gezüchtet worden waren. Die Blattunterschiede hatten eine ausgesprochene Wirkung, aber es gab keine Unterschiede in der Reaktion der beiden Arten. Dieser Vergleich lässt vermuten, dass die Empfindlichkeit auf intraspezifische Unterschiede der Wirtspflanzenqualität bei wirtsspezifischen und polyphagen Arten gleich ist. Indessen dürften sich laut anderen Resultaten einige Insektenarten anders verhalten.