Role of corpus allatum on the modulation of feeding rhythm in the semilooper caterpillar, Achaea janata (L) |
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Authors: | G Abraham D Muraleedharan |
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Affiliation: | Department of Zoology, St Thomas College, Kerala, India. |
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Abstract: | A circadian feeding rhythm which may be entrained by photoperiod was found in fifth instar caterpillars of the lepidopteran, Achaea janata (L.). Allatectomy reduced the amount of food consumed; this consumption was significantly lower during the fifth instar in both allatectomized and sham-operated insects. An apparent circadian feeding pattern appeared on day 2 in the sham-operated caterpillars. Topical application of the anti-allatin, Precocene-II (50 micrograms/animal) also reduced leaf consumption significantly compared to the respective controls, although these controls maintained the same apparent circadian feeding rhythm on day 2. |
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