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The response of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) to water

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Stubbs Mary
Affiliation:
Maff Slough Laboratory, London Road, Stough, Berks., UK
Griffin Robert
Affiliation:
Maff Slough Laboratory, London Road, Stough, Berks., UK

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to determine whether Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) was attracted to water on a wick suspended in an arena. When insects were preconditioned at 25, 50, 75 or 100% RH, they were attracted to the water source. Those preconditioned at 50% RH gave the greatest response and those preconditioned at 100% RH, the least. Measurement of the humidity changes in the arena caused by adding a wick containing 5 Μ1 of water showed that the gradient between the edge and centre was steepest at the start of an experiment when insect activity was also greatest. About 30 min after a wick had been placed in the arena, virtually all the water (about 94%) had evaporated, the humidity had equalised over the arena and the insects were no longer attracted to the wick. This behavioural response is discussed in relation to the insects' environment.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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