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A rhythm underlying feeding behaviour in a highly polyphagous caterpillar
Author(s) -
Bernays E. A.,
Singer M. S.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
physiological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-3032
pISSN - 0307-6962
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-3032.1998.234103.x
Subject(s) - biology , caterpillar , lepidoptera genitalia , foraging , rhythm , feeding behavior , ecology , zoology , medicine
.Behavioural mechanisms of food mixing were studied in the polyphagous caterpillar Grammia geneura (Strecker) (Lepidoptera, Arctiidae) in arenas with different plant foods. Combinations of food plants, including single and multiple plant species were used. Behavioural observations on individuals of similar age were undertaken for 4 h. Foraging and feeding behaviour were monitored in detail. It was found that feeding was generally initiated during short intervals that represented the peaks of an endogenous activity rhythm. Feeding was not initiated on all peaks but at times that represented multiples of the oscillatory period. The oscillation fitted to each individual varied between 10 and 13 min. The possible significance of the oscillation is discussed.