Changes in the efficiency of utilisation of food throughout the fifth-instar nymphs of locusta migratoria
1982
SIMPSON, S.J.
The amounts eaten and the efficiency of utilisation of food were studied in detail for 5th-instar nymphs of Locusta migratoria reared under a 12: 12 LD photoregime at 30°. Changes were found between the light and dark periods, and throughout the instar, in the amount of food eaten, dry weight growth efficiency and % water retention. Variations in dry weight growth efficiency were strongly correlated with changes in the efficiency of absorption of proteins. The absorption of dietary lipids followed a similar trend to that for proteins, while soluble carbohydrates were absorbed at a higher and more constant rate. Variations in the % of water retained from the food were reflected in changes in haemolymph volume and total body water content, while overall growth processes reflected the patterns of nutrient absorption. Males and females showed many similarities in the patterns of feeding, food utilisation and overall growth but greater amounts of nutrients were consumed by females which are generally larger than males. The author thanks Drs. R. F. Chapman, E. A. Bernays, W. M. Blaney and F. Slansky Jr. for help and criticism. Thanks also to other colleagues at the Centre for Overseas Pest Research for assistance and to Mr. A. G. Scott at Queen Mary College for some of the microkjeldahl analyses. Carried out under a grant from the University of Queensland.
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