Open AccessREGURGITATION OF HOST‐PLANT OIL FROM A FOREGUT DlVERTlCULUM IN THE LARVAE OF MYRASCIA MEGALOCENTRA AND M. BRACTEATELLA (LEPIDOPTERA: OECOPHORIDAE)
Author(s) -
COMMON I. F. B.,
BELLAS T. E.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
australian journal of entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1440-6055
pISSN - 1326-6756
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1977.tb00074.x
Subject(s) - foregut , lepidoptera genitalia , biology , larva , host (biology) , genus , zoology , botany , anatomy , ecology
Liirvae of two members of the genus Mjwscicz are shown to be exceptional in the Lepidoptera in possessing it diverticulum of the foregut. In their diverticula are stored oils which are separated virtually unchanged from the food plants. These oils itre regurgitated when the larvae are mechanicnlly irritated, a form of behaviour which is probably defensive.