Microstructure of feeding by tobacco hornworm caterpillars, Manduca sexta

The microstructure of the feeding activity of tobacco hornworm caterpillars (Manduca sexta Johansson) on tomato leaf was examined by means of an automated cafeteria. In this device each activity of the caterpillar generates a characteristic slow electrical change which can be recorded. The apparatus is therefore both accurate and sensitive. Examination of the activity records indicated that larger animals ate more than smaller ones by increasing both bite frequency and the lengths of meals. Meal frequency did not increase. Correlations amongst a variety of measures indicated that there was regulation of feeding both between and within meals.